The US State Department approved the sale of four M142 High Mobility Artillery Rocket Systems (HIMARS) to Bahrain, the Defense Security Cooperation Agency announced on Thursday.
In addition, Bahrain will purchase three International Field Artillery Tactical Data Systems, for a total cost of approximately $500 million, DSCA added.
This 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 DSCA commented.
Five US government personnel and 10 contractors will be required to deploy to Bahrain for at least four months in order to assist in setting up the equipment and provide training to operators and maintenance engineers in the Bahraini military.
Notably, Bahrain hosts the US Navy's 5th Fleet.
What are HIMARS?
M142 HIMARS are produced by weapons manufacturing giant Lockheed Martin, based in Texas.
"HIMARS carries a six-pack of GMLRS rockets, two Precision Strike Missiles (PrSM) or one ATACMS missile, and is designed to launch the entire MLRS family of munitions," according to Lockheed Martin's website.
"HIMARS is the most technically advanced, affordable, and sustainable artillery solution; Provides cutting-edge technology on an indigenous platform; Offers maximum commonality with M270 platform launch systems and MLRS interoperability; and Simplifies coalition operations, training, logistics, and coordination," the website adds.
The UAE and Jordan have previously purchased M142 HIMARS from the US, and Saudi military personnel have trained on US-owned M142 HIMARS based in the country.
In June, Iran launched ballistic missiles towards US military positions in the region, including nearby Al Udeid Air Base in Qatar.