US approves $500m M142 HIMARS sale to Bahrain
The US State Department has given its approval for a potential $500m foreign military sale (FMS) of M142 High Mobility Artillery Rocket System (HIMARS) and associated support to Bahrain.
Bahrain’s request encompasses four HIMARS launchers and three International Field Artillery Tactical Data Systems.
It also includes a suite of non-major non-defence (MDE) items such as M28A2 low cost reduced range practice rocket pods; high mobility multi-purpose wheeled vehicle fire direction centres; M1084A3 HIMARS resupply vehicles; HIMARS driver vision enhancer systems and AN/PSN-13 defence advanced GPS receiver.
In addition, the sale package covers an extensive package of support and test equipment, simulators, generators, integration services, spare parts, communication gear, software support, facilities construction assistance, technical documentation, training programmes, engineering services, and logistical support.
Lockheed Martin is identified as the principal contractor for this deal.
The Defense Security Cooperation Agency (DSCA) has notified Congress of the potential transaction.
The implementation will necessitate the temporary assignment of five US government and ten contractor representatives to Bahrain to facilitate equipment setup and provide training on operations and maintenance over a four-month period.
The DSCA said that this sale aligns with US foreign policy and national security objectives by bolstering the security of Bahrain, a key non-Nato ally contributing to political stability and economic progress in the Middle East.
The acquisition aims to enhance Bahrain’s defence capabilities to address threats, support US military interests in the region, and ensure the protection of American installations and personnel in Bahrain.
The agency said: “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 to operate independently in support of US interests and the security of US forces in-theatre.”
This announcement follows a previous approval in March of 2024 for a $2.2bn FMS to Bahrain from the US for 50 M1A2 SEPv3 Abrams main battle tanks (MBT) and other defence equipment.
