Bahrain has agreed to buy nine assault helicopters from the US army, it was revealed. The Stratford-based Sikorsky Aircraft Corporation announced the kingdom had signed a Letter of Acceptance (LOA) to purchase the UH-60M helicopters.

The deal, valued at BD77.1 million ($204 million), means Bahrain will become the international launch customer for the newest and most advanced model of the Black Hawk helicopter.

The company, a subsidiary of United Technologies Corporation, made the announcement at the Paris Air Show.

The new aircraft will allow the Royal Bahrain Air Force to perform combat and search and rescue missions.

'We are honoured that Bahrain has placed confidence in Sikorsky and the UH-60M and we look forward to a continued long and close relationship,' said Sikorsky Aircraft Corporation regional executive for the Middle East Joseph Gigantelli. TradeArabia News Service