Bahrain Mirror: The Key Aero website, specialized in air force, said that Bahrain will be the first Gulf state to receive F-16 simulators produced by Lockheed Martin to train pilots for national defence missions under a new agreement.

"The latest generation Lockheed Martin F-16 training suite allows aviators to train in a holistic, realistic environment, which ensures mission readiness," said John W Nicholson, chief executive for Lockheed Martin in the Middle East. "This comprehensive training solution builds on our proven training systems tailored for the Block 70 fleet of F-16s."

Announced in 2018, the $1.2bn contract called for the first jets to be handed over in Q1 2022 and completed by the end of 2023.

Bahrain could have to wait until 2024 before deliveries of the 12 single-seat F-16C and four twin-seat F-16D Block 70s are concluded, as a result of issues caused by the Covid-19 pandemic.

Arabic Version