Bahrain investing $150m to buy, refurbish its second Oliver Hazard Perry frigate

Bahrain has been cleared to purchase $150 million worth of support services for the refurbishment of former Oliver Hazard Perry-class frigate, ex Robert G. Bradley (FFG 49).

2013 US Navy photo of former guided-missile frigate USS Robert G. Bradley (FFG 49).

The US State Department approved Bahrain’s potential purchase that will refurbish and support the grant transfer of the frigate.

The Royal Bahrain Naval Force (RBNF) already operates one OHP frigate, the former USS Jack Williams (FFG-24) which is now known as RBNS Sabha. In 2018, the Persian Gulf state was granted access to $70 million worth of items and services for the upgrade of the ship.

The government of Bahrain has now requested spares, support, training, publications, and other related elements of logistics and program support necessary for the refurbishment of ex Robert G. Bradley before it is transferred to RBNF.

A principal contractor for the refurbishment program is yet to be selected.