The U.S. State Department has made a determination approving a possible Foreign Military Sale to the Government of Bahrain of M270 Multiple Launch Rocket Systems (MLRS) Upgrade and related equipment for an estimated cost of $175.98 million. The proposed sale will improve Bahrain’s capability to meet current and future threats by enhancing Bahrain’s ability to defend itself against regional malign actors and improve interoperability with systems operated by U.S. forces and other Gulf countries. Bahrain’s continued investment in its defensive capabilities is crucial to protecting its borders, energy infrastructure, and its residents, including over 15,000 U.S. citizens and Naval personnel living and working in the country.
The Government of Bahrain has requested to buy upgrades to nine (9) M270 Multiple Launch Rocket Systems (MLRS) to a M270 A1 minimum configuration. The upgrade will include: the Common Fire Control System (CFCS); Improved Launcher Mechanical System (ILMS); 600h Engine and associated engine compartment modifications; Improved Electronics Distribution Box (IEDB); fan speed control valve; cables and mounting hardware, Power Take Off (PTO) and BOO series transmission; the Digital Communication Systems (DCOMMS); and Vehicular Intercom System (AN/VIC-3). In addition, the effort will include two (2) years spare parts; Operator and Maintenance Training Course’ Contractor Logistics Support; U.S. Government engineering support; support and test equipment.
The M270 Multiple Launch Rocket System (M270 MLRS) is an armored, self-propelled, multiple rocket launcher. Since the first M270s were delivered to the U.S. Army in 1983, the MLRS has been adopted by several NATO countries. Some 1,300 M270 systems have been manufactured in the United States and in Europe, along with more than 700,000 rockets. The M993 is a derivative of the Bradley Fighting Vehicle chassis. The M270A1 artillery system incorporates improved fire control system and launcher mechanical system. M270A1 launchers feature improved survivability, reduced operation costs and embeded GPS/INS navigation system.
An M270 MLRS tracked launcher of which Bahrain already operated 9 units in 2017 can hold up to 12 rounds of M26-M31 227mm rockets. 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. The MGM-140 Army Tactical Missile System (ATacMS) is a surface-to-surface missile (SSM) manufactured by Lockheed Martin. It has a range of over 100 miles (160 km), with solid propellant, and is 13 feet (4.0 m) high and 24 inches (610 mm) in diameter. The ATACMS can be fired from multiple rocket launchers, including the M270 Multiple Launch Rocket System (MLRS).
