The U.S. State Department has approved a possible Foreign Military Sale (FMS) to Bahrain for new tactical missiles. 

The approval, which was announced by the U.S. Defense Security and Cooperation Agency (DSCA) on 28 September, includes Guided Multiple Launch Rocket System (GMLRS) Unitary Rocket Pods and Army Tactical Missiles System (ATACMS) Unitary missiles for an estimated cost of $300 million.

According to the DSCA, the State Department has made a determination approving a possible Foreign Military Sale to Bahrain of Guided Multiple Launch Rocket System Unitary Rocket Pods and Army Tactical Missiles System (ATACMS) Unitary missiles for an estimated cost of $300 million.

The Kingdom of Bahrain has requested to buy 120 Guided Multiple Launch Rocket System (GMLRS) M31 Unitary Rocket Pods ( 6 rockets per pod for a total of 720; and 110 Army Tactical Missiles System (ATACMS) M57 T2K Unitary missiles.  Also included are publications, personnel training and training equipment, software development, U.S. Government and contractor engineering, technical and logistics support services; and other related elements of logistical and program support.

The proposed sale of the M31 GMLRS Unitary Rocket Pods and ATACMS T2K Unitary Missile will improve Bahrain’s capability to meet current and future threats and provide greater security for its critical oil and natural gas infrastructure, and significant national events. Bahrain will use the enhanced capabilities to strengthen its homeland defense and deter regional threats.

The M31 GMLRS is a low-cost guided rocket for use on the M270 multiple launch rocket artillery systems. It is precision munition that utilizes global positioning system (GPS) technology for accuracy which reduces the risk of collateral damage.

The ATACMS T2K is a all-weather, long-range unitary surface-to-surface missile (SSM). The ATACMS T2K missiles have a range of up to about 300 km.