Bahrain has requested 50 M1A2 Abrams main battle tanks from the United States, continuing the pattern of Arab Gulf states investing in top Western-built tanks. While this order contributes to Bahrain's military capabilities, it pales in comparison to the vast arsenals of neighboring states. Other Gulf Cooperation Council members have also bolstered their armed forces with advanced Western-built tanks. The procurement of such military hardware signals a prevailing preference for Western-built tanks across Arab Gulf states, a trend expected to persist for years.