U.S. State Department Approves Military Deals with Bahrain and Kuwait

The U.S. State Department has provisionally approved sales of military equipment and the refurbishment of helicopters for Bahrain and Kuwait, totaling more than $409 million. The Defense Security Cooperation Agency has notified Congress of a potential sale to Bahrain for the refurbishment of 24 helicopters, worth $350 million. The Bahraini government requested "the refurbishment of some multi-role helicopters, the purchase of aircraft engine spare parts, missile launchers, along with technical support, training, and logistical services." In a separate statement, the agency announced that "the Kuwaiti government requested to purchase equipment used in military air systems, along with technical and logistical support, at a total cost exceeding $59 million." The State Department confirmed that "these deals will support U.S. foreign policy objectives and national security by enhancing the security capabilities of a key partner outside the North Atlantic Treaty Organization (NATO), thereby promoting stability and security in the Middle East."