The Government of Bahrain will buy 25 AIM-120C-7 advanced medium range air-to-air missiles worth $74m from the US under its foreign military sale programme.

The purchase will enable the country to strengthen its homeland defence by enhancing its capability to meet current and future enemy air-to-air weapons threats.

The sale will advance the foreign policy and national security of the US by supporting security enhancement of a major non-Nato ally that is an important force for political stability and economic progress in the Middle East, according to a Defense Security Cooperation Agency statement.

The contract will also include associated equipment, spare and repair parts, personnel training and training equipment and technical and logistics support services.

Raytheon will be the prime contractor for the project.