Bahrain receives first shipment of US Patriot PAC-3 MSE interceptors.

On 05 March 2024, Lockheed Martin completed the delivery of the first batch of Patriot Advanced Capability – 3 (PAC-3) Missile Segment Enhancement (MSE) interceptors to Bahrain. This delivery is part of an agreement to enhance Bahrain's air and missile defense systems.
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First batch of Patriot PAC-3 MSE Air Defense Systems delivered to Bahrain (Picture source: Lockheed Martin)

The PAC-3 MSE interceptor is designed to defend against various threats, including tactical ballistic missiles, cruise missiles, and aircraft, using Hit-to-Kill technology. This technology enables the interceptor to destroy threats through direct impact. The delivery of the Patriot PAC-3 MSE interceptors is expected to improve Bahrain's defensive capabilities and contribute to the security of the region.

Brenda Davidson, Vice President of PAC-3 Programs at Lockheed Martin, commented on the delivery, stating that the PAC-3 MSE interceptor is a tool for defense against a range of airborne threats, aiming to enhance national and regional security.

Bahrain is among fifteen nations that have selected the PAC-3 MSE for their air and missile defense needs. The choice reflects the interceptor's role in modern military defense strategies.

In 2019, the Kingdom of Bahrain initiated a significant upgrade to its missile defense capabilities through a formal request to the United States government for a comprehensive arms package. This request encompasses the acquisition of sixty PAC-3 Missile Segment Enhancement (MSE) missiles and thirty-six MIM-104E Guidance Enhanced Missiles (GEM-T), alongside a host of supporting equipment and systems crucial for a fully operational defense setup. This suite of technology includes launching stations, radar sets, engagement control stations, and a range of auxiliary support devices and services, aiming to provide a robust layered defense strategy against missile threats. The total estimated cost of this extensive procurement is $2.478 billion, reflecting the significant investment Bahrain is willing to make to secure its airspace and territorial integrity.

This strategic move is not only about enhancing Bahrain's defensive posture but also about strengthening its military interoperability with the United States, a key ally in the region. The acquisition of the Patriot missile system represents a critical step for Bahrain in modernizing its armed forces and enhancing its defensive capabilities against the backdrop of regional tensions and evolving aerial threats. The integration of such advanced missile defense systems into Bahrain's military infrastructure will facilitate a significant leap forward in its capability to defend its territorial integrity and deter potential threats, ensuring the Kingdom remains a stable and secure state in the strategically vital Persian Gulf region.