EVENDALE, Ohio - The government of Bahrain has signed a Letter of Acceptance (LOA) to purchase up to 10 new Lockheed Martin F-16 aircraft powered by F110-GE-100B engines. The LOA covers the purchase of eight aircraft and includes an amendment request for two additional aircraft. Deliveries are scheduled to begin in 2000.

The highly successful F110 engine, which powers 85 percent of the F-16C/D fleet of the U.S. Air Force and 75 percent of F-16C/Ds worldwide, is the engine of choice for all Middle East countries that have chosen F-16C/D fighters for front-line defense, including Bahrain, Egypt, Greece, Israel and Turkey.

"This significant win reflects the F110 engine's unsurpassed tolerance to hot, sandy desert conditions," said Bob Griswold, F110 project general manager. "More significantly, it underscores our commitment to achieve the highest levels of customer satisfaction."

This latest procurement strengthens a Bahrain defense fleet that is powered exclusively by GE. Twelve F-5 aircraft are equipped with GE J85 engines, and 12 GE-powered F-16 aircraft were chosen as part of the Peace Crown One program.

The decision further solidifies a firm production base for the F110 family, including the -100B, the -129, and its latest growth derivative, the F110-GE-129EFE (Enhanced Fighter Engine), which was launched at the 1997 Dubai Air Show.