FMS: Bahrain Requests Javelin Weapon Systems

Released on Friday, July 21, 2006

The Defense Security Cooperation Agency (DSCA) notified Congress of a possible Foreign Military Sale to Bahrain of Javelin missiles as well as associated equipment and services. The total value, if all options are exercised, could be as high as $42 million.

The Government of Bahrain has requested a possible sale of 180 Javelin missile rounds and 60 Javelin command launch units, simulators, trainers, support equipment, spare and repair parts, publications and technical data, personnel training and equipment, U.S. Government and contractor engineering and logistics personnel services, Quality Assurance Team services, and other related elements of logistics support. The estimated cost is $42 million.

This proposed sale will contribute to the foreign policy and national security of the United States (U.S.) by helping to improve the security of a friendly country that has been and continues to be an important force for political stability and economic progress in the Middle East.

The desert warfare missions of Bahrain's infantry and light armored forces require the protection afforded by the capabilities of the Javelin system. Bahrain's land forces are small, well-rounded forces that are multi-mission oriented. Javelin will provide the forces with a credible anti-armor defense that is critical to success in the open desert. The proposed sale of Javelin is consistent with Bahrain's ongoing efforts to modernize its armed forces and the presence of these weapon systems in the land forces' inventory will provide yet another inroad for enhancing interoperability between the U.S. and Bahraini military forces.

The proposed sale of this equipment and support will not affect the basic military balance in the region.

The prime contractor will be Raytheon/Lockheed-Martin Javelin Joint Venture in Orlando, Florida. There are no known offset agreements proposed in connection with this potential sale.

Implementation of this proposed sale will require the assignment of a U.S. Government Quality Assurance Team consisting of two U.S. Government and one contractor representatives to Bahrain for one week to assist in the delivery and deployment of the missiles. Several U.S. Government and contractor representatives will travel to Bahrain for two-week intervals twice annually to participate in training, program management, and technical review.

There will be no adverse impact on U.S. defense readiness as a result of this proposed sale.

This notice of a potential sale is required by law; it does not mean that the sale has been concluded.