Bahrain commits to Patriot buy
Bahrain has signed a contract for the purchase of the Patriot air and missile defence system from the US Army.
A letter of offer and acceptance will allow the US government to begin negotiations with prime contractor Raytheon for the production of an undisclosed number of Patriot systems and missiles for the kingdom.
‘Raytheon's Patriot integrated air and missile defence system will ensure the Kingdom of Bahrain is well equipped to defend against ballistic missiles, cruise missiles, and manned and unmanned aircraft,’ Ralph Acaba, president of Raytheon Integrated Defense Systems, said.
‘Patriot is continually modernised, enhanced and upgraded, through this 17-nation community, to ensure it outpaces the evolving threats for years to come.’
The 17 nations that have committed to acquiring the air defence system including Bahrain are: the US; the Netherlands; Germany; Japan; Israel; Saudi Arabia; Kuwait; Taiwan; Greece; Spain; South Korea; the UAE; Qatar; Romania; Poland; and Sweden.
Related Equipment in Defence Insight
More from Land Warfare
-
Refresh of Romanian army vehicles speeds up
Romania received its first Cobra MkII 4×4 light tactical armoured vehicles, ordered Abrams main battle tanks (MBTs) and VAMTAC light vehicles, and is set to invest billions-of-dollars in infantry fighting vehicles.
-
Italy begins hunt for Puma replacement
The Italian Army operates Pumas in 6×6 and 4×4 configurations but the platforms are ageing and numbers have fallen with obsolescence also being an issue. Any replacement is likely to have a focus on the involvement of local industry.
-
Orders roll in for VAMTAC tactical vehicles as first is delivered to New Zealand
The VAMTAC (Vehículo de Alta Movilidad Táctico or High Mobility Tactical Vehicle) 4×4 by Urovesa is in service with or has been ordered by eight countries, the most recent being Spain this month and Romania last month.