Bahrain Requests 160 Javelins & 60 CLUs

Javelin missile: fire!(click to view full) The US Defense Security Cooperation Agency (DSCA) has notified the US Congress [PDF format] of Bahrain’s request for 180 Javelin anti-armor missile rounds (see MPEG video of Javelin firing) and 60 Javelin command launch units (CLUs), plus 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. Bahrain is the base for the US 5th Fleet, and a close ally in the region. The total value, if all options are exercised, could be as high as $42 million, and The prime contractor will be Raytheon/Lockheed-Martin JAVELIN Joint Venture in Orlando, Florida. Despite a high per-unit cost, the Javelin missile is becoming popular in the wake of its performance in Iraq… The Javelin missile received very good reviews from the front lines during Operation Iraqi Freedom for its fire-and-forget accuracy and large explosions. Its role in the Battle of Debecka Pass in northern Iraq received particular attention. As Army Magazine notes: “Debecka Pass basically had two Special Forces ‘A’ Teams facing a battalion-sized enemy force that had 12 tanks, […]