Bahrain Mirror (Exclusive): The Tactical Report website reported that "a Bahraini Royal Guard delegation is in the process of visiting Paris to prepare for a deal to purchase Sherpa Light armored vehicles from Renault Trucks Defense."

Sherpa Light tactical vehicles are designed, according to a report by Renault Trucks Defense, for infantry, paratroopers, marines and internal security forces. It has good performance on the roads and off-roads, and it can be air freighted as well. It is versatile, especially against ordinary and ballistic mines. It has been adopted by NATO forces, France and other countries.

The same website had mentioned previously that the Royal Guard of Bahrain is said to have made contacts with France on plans to buy (MRAP) vehicles, which are mine-resistant ambush protected, and usually have "V" shaped hulls to deflect explosive forces from landmines or IEDs below the vehicle, thereby protecting vehicle and passengers.

The latter are an urgent necessity for US forces in Iraq and Afghanistan, especially that improvised explosive devices caused most of American deaths (63%) according to the Washington Post.

Bahrain has raised the public debt to USD 10 billion to face the growing budget deficit due to the falling oil prices. It also lifted subsidies on basic commodities, including fuel. However, it continues to spend on the military whose expenditure has doubled since 2011 to face popular protests seeking to put an end to the Al Khalifa family's monopoly over power.

Tags: National Guard, Army

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