Bahrain arms itself with $43.6mn anti-missile system

Lockheed Martin's AN/TPS-59(V) 3B ballistic missile defence radar passed final tests in Bahrain in August.

Bahrain has installed a $43.6 million radar system from US arms firm Lockheed Martin to protect the kingdom against missile attacks.

The AN/TPS-59(V) 3B ballistic missile defence radar had passed final tests in Bahrain in August and was being deployed as part of surveillance of the kingdom's skies, Bahraini newspaper Gulf Daily News reported today.

"With the successful delivery of the AN/TPS-59(V)3B, Bahrain has added a vital asset to its existing command and control and missile defence systems," said Ray Dean, US Marine Corps project officer for the radar in Bahrain.

The system can predict missile launches and impact points and prepare defensive weapons against any incoming threats. It can also detect both single and multiple targets, including aircraft.

Bahrain Defence Forces (BDF) personnel had been trained in managing the system at Lockheed Martin's Radar Systems facility in Syracuse, New York, earlier this year.

Shaikh Adel Al Maawada, Bahraini Parliament's foreign affairs, defence and national security committee chairman, said it was not necessary for delivery of such systems to pass through parliament.

"This is defence policy and it is a separate thing (from parliament)," said Al Maawada. "It is the right of the Defence Ministry so these things are totally their policy."

"It might be under routine co-operation between the US and Bahrain. As you know there are hundreds of millions of dollars which are given by the US to Bahrain and some of this amount of money is given in the form of this sort of help."

Protecting US allies

Al Maawada also close co-ordination between defence policymakers and politicians and in the kingdom.

"They are very co-operative, there is a great deal of respect between us and we have full confidence in their plans and the way they tackle things," he said. "They are very wise and responsible and we are totally confident that they will do the best for their country."

"We know as well that there are some things in which they have to be co-operative within the US. Co-operation with the US is a must."

The delivery of the radar system, ordered by the US Marine Corps for Bahrain in 2004, could be part of a strategy to protect US allies in the Gulf, Al Maawad said.

"We hope that it is a routine thing, but definitely it is a sign as well that there might be a need for such a system," he said.

He also said that parliament would continue to liase with the Defence Minister and leaders in the kingdom to be fully aware of any developments for the radar system.

US Republican Congressman Jim Walsh was quoted in the US as saying such advanced technology was necessary for the protection of Bahrain.

"Thanks to its strategic location and its status as headquarters of the US Navy's Fifth Fleet, Bahrain needs superior in-country defence systems," Walsh said.

"I'm pleased that, once again, Lockheed Martin products are ensuring the safety of an ally and making US troops more secure."

The US in July announced a plan to give more than $43 billion aid to Egypt, Israel, Saudi Arabia and other Gulf states in an attempt to bolster allies in the region against Iran and others.

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