US approves possible HIMARS sale to Bahrain

US Army M142 HIMARS. (Janes/Patrick Allen)

The US Department of State has approved the possible Foreign Military Sale (FMS) of M142 High-Mobility Artillery Rocket Systems (HIMARSs) and related equipment worth up to USD500 million to Bahrain, the US Defense Security Cooperation Agency (DSCA) announced in a press release on 14 August.

The Bahraini government has requested four HIMARSs and three International Field Artillery Tactical Data Systems. It has also requested M28A2 Low Cost Reduced Range Practice Rocket pods; High Mobility Multi-Purpose Wheeled Vehicle Fire Direction Centers; M1084A3 HIMARS resupply vehicles; HIMARS Driver Vision Enhancer systems; AN/PSN-13 Defense Advanced GPS Receivers; support and test equipment; simulators; generators; integration and test support; spares and repair parts; communications equipment; software delivery and support; facilities and construction support; publications and technical documentation; personnel training and training equipment; support equipment; US government and contractor engineering, technical, and logistics support services; studies and surveys; and other related logistics and programme support.

The proposed FMS will support US foreign policy goals and national security objectives by improving a major non-NATO ally that is an important force for political stability and economic progress in the Middle East, according to the DSCA.

The agency added that the proposed sale would improve Bahrain's capabilities 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.

The DSCA did not expect the HIMARS sale to change the basic military balance in the Gulf region.

The principal contractor will be Lockheed Martin.