Bahrain Mirror: Lockheed Martin Aeronautics Company said it is pleased that Bahrain's deal to buy 16 F-16s worth over $2.3 billion will guarantee "pass to keep F-16 production line open for the next three to five years".

Bahrain is set to become the first country in the region to operate Lockheed's F-16 Block 70 aircraft, in a move that will boost the Falcon's production line.

Last November, Vice President Mike Pence announced the signature of a deal for the sale of 16 F-16s worth over $2.3 billion to the Gulf country, considering it a "big boost for American jobs and security."

"We are pleased the Kingdom of Bahrain and the U.S. government have agreed to move forward with the sale of F-16 Block 70 aircraft for the Royal Bahraini Air Force," said Rick Groesch, regional vice president of international business development at Lockheed Martin Aeronautics.

Although the number of aircraft has been reduced from a total of 19 to 16 units due to cost reduction policy, the sale "would save the shrinking F-16 line," a military source has disclosed.

The source - who spoke on condition of anonymity - described the sale to Bahrain as "Lockheed's pass to keep its F-16 production line open for the next three to five years."

Arabic Version