The US State Department has approved the potential sale of four M142 High Mobility Artillery Rocket Systems (HIMARS) to Bahrain.
The estimated $500-million sale, pending approval by the US Congress, includes three field artillery tactical data systems, M28A2 low-cost, reduced-range practice rocket pods, high-mobility multi-purpose wheeled vehicle fire direction centers, and M1084A3 HIMARS resupply vehicles.
“The proposed sale will improve Bahrain’s capability to meet current and future threats by enhancing its ability to provide critical support for the security of US installations and personnel in Bahrain, integrate into US‐led coalitions, and operate independently in support of US interests and the security of US forces in-theater,” the Defense Security Cooperation Agency stated.
Texas-based Lockheed Martin has been named the principal contractor for the potential sale, with no proposed offset agreement.
Major Non-NATO Ally
Bahrain hosts the US Navy’s Fifth Fleet and is a major non-NATO ally of the US.
During the Iran-Israel conflict in June, Tehran launched several missiles at Al Udeid Air Base in nearby Qatar, the main hub of the US Ninth Air Force in the region.
In the Middle East, only the United Arab Emirates and Jordan operate the HIMARS, which can launch six guided rockets with a range of 70 kilometers (37 miles) or a single Army Tactical Missile System with a range of up to 300 kilometers (186 miles).
