Bahrain in Talks To Buy Eurofighter Typhoon

The British government and Bahrain have commenced discussions over a potential order for the Eurofighter Typhoon fighter.

The Bahrain King Hamad al-Khalifa met with British Prime Minister David Cameron last week to discuss regional issues, including Bahrain’s plans for a modernization of its armed forces.

Bahrain is looking forward to replace a squadron of F-5 Tiger jets currently in service along with two squadrons of F-16s, with about 12 or more Typhoon aircrafts.  

“We are in discussions on a potential sale of Typhoon with the Bahraini Air Force. These discussions are at a very early stage but we welcome the Bahraini interest,” a spokesman for the British government’s Defence & Security Organisation (DSO) told Defense News, confirming the possible sales discussions.

Eurofighter consortium member BAE Systems is leading the industrial effort to sell the Typhoon in the gulf region. The combat jet has already been purchased by Oman and Saudi Arabia.

Bahrain was not among a list of Middle East sales prospects for Typhoon mentioned by BAE Chief Executive Ian King when the company unveiled half-year results Aug 1.

King said an additional order for between 48 and 72 Typhoons was possible in Saudi Arabia along with a potential deal for 60 fighters being negotiated with the United Arab Emirates. Further out, Qatar and Kuwait are also potential buyers in the region.