Bahraini HIMARS FMS approved by US State Department

The US State Department has approved a possible Foreign Military Sale (FMS) to Bahrain of M142 High Mobility Artillery Rocket Systems (HIMARS), the US Defense Security Cooperation Agency (DSCA) announced on 14 August 2025.

The proposed sale, which is worth an estimated USD 500 million (EUR 428.5 million), has been passed to the US Congress for final approval.

Bahrain has requested to buy four M142 HIMARS and three International Field Artillery Tactical Data Systems. Also included in the package are: 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; and various aspects of software, technical, engineering, training, logistics and programme support.

The Royal Bahraini Army is not a current operators of the M142 HIMARS, although it does have nine M270 Multiple Launch Rocket Systems, which fire the same family of munitions.

The DSCA stated that the proposed FMS “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-theater”.

The principal contractor for the proposed M142 FMS to Bahrain will be Lockheed Martin out of its facilities in Grand Prairie, Texas.