For many years, the United States played a central part in helping its Gulf partners build stronger military forces, from giving them advanced fighter jets to training their troops. These partnerships are more than defence ties as they have become an important source of support in a region that often faces tension and uncertainty.

This week, the US took another important step in this long relationship by approving military sales worth $ 1.4 billion for Saudi Arabia and Bahrain. The packages sent for the Congress review include helicopter maintenance, aviation training and upgrades to Bahrain’s F-16 fleet to ensure allies remain ready and capable of maintaining stability in the region.

Bahrain will receive $445 million in equipment and support to keep its F-16 fighter jets in good condition. The package includes aircraft parts and missile containers, radar components and guidance system spares, ground support tools and laboratory equipment.

This new purchase will supplement earlier F-16 sales that did not cross the limit that requires a formal notice to Congress. The main contractors for the work are expected to be General Electric Aerospace and Lockheed Martin Aeronautics, the primary maker of the F-16.

Bahrain, a major non-NATO ally of the United States, first received F-16 jets in 1990. It became the first Gulf state to use the aircraft. The jets were given to modernise Bahrain’s air force and to improve coordination with the US and partner forces, especially during major regional events such as the 1991 Gulf War.

Saudi Arabia has requested two separate packages, each valued at $ 500 million, and the first focuses on maintaining and supplying its helicopter fleet by giving Saudi forces access to a US system that allows them to order replacement parts whenever needed.

The aircraft covered include heavy helicopters such as Black Hawks, Apaches and Chinooks, along with lighter aircraft, including Schweizer 333s and Aerial Scouts. The package also offers full logistics support to ensure that the Royal Saudi Land Forces Aviation Corps can operate smoothly.

The second package is a broad training order that allows the US Army to provide aviation training for Saudi Arabia’s helicopter fleet, and together, both packages ensure that Saudi aviation units remain fully maintained and well trained without the need to bring new US personnel or contractors into the region.

The Defence Security Cooperation Agency said the proposed sales will not change the regional balance of power, and unless Congress stops the deals within the 30-day review period, they are expected to go ahead.

These approvals came soon after Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman visited Washington for high-level talks with President Donald Trump, where defence cooperation and military sales were major topics. Ahead of the visit, President Trump announced plans to sell Saudi Arabia dozens of F-35 Joint Strike Fighter jets, which, if finalised, would make the Kingdom the first Arab country to operate the aircraft.

Congress still has the power to block such deals, especially when there are concerns about advanced technology or human rights issues, including the 2018 killing of journalist Jamal Khashoggi, which US intelligence linked to Saudi leadership.

These sales underline the long-running military partnership between the United States and its Gulf allies, and by strengthening Bahrain’s F-16 fleet and supporting Saudi Arabia’s helicopter operations. The US is helping reinforce readiness and cooperation in a region that remains strategically sensitive. The approvals also show Washington’s commitment to Gulf security while balancing the political and human rights concerns raised in Congress.