Bahrain Defence Force
The Bahrain Defence Force (BDF) is the unified armed force of the Kingdom of Bahrain, tasked with defending the nation's sovereignty, territorial integrity, and the ruling Al Khalifa monarchy against internal and external threats.[1] Established on 5 February 1968 under Sheikh Isa bin Salman Al Khalifa, it predated Bahrain's independence from Britain in 1971 and has since evolved into a professional military emphasizing loyalty to the crown, with key leadership positions held predominantly by members of the Al Khalifa family.[2][1] The BDF operates under the supreme command of King Hamad bin Isa Al Khalifa, with day-to-day leadership provided by Commander-in-Chief Field Marshal Sheikh Khalifa bin Ahmed Al Khalifa.[3][2] Comprising the Royal Bahraini Army, Royal Bahraini Naval Force, Royal Bahraini Air Force, and elite Royal Guard units, the BDF maintains a compact structure suited to Bahrain's strategic position in the Persian Gulf, focusing on deterrence, rapid response, and cooperation with Gulf Cooperation Council allies.[4] As of 2024, it fields approximately 8,200 active personnel, supported by modernization efforts including advanced equipment acquisitions and joint training with the United States, which enhances its capabilities in air defense, maritime security, and counter-terrorism operations.[5][6] While the force has achieved operational proficiency through rigorous discipline and family-centric command, its defining characteristic remains an unwavering alignment with monarchical interests, enabling effective internal stability maintenance amid regional tensions with Iran.[1][7]Overview
Mission and Strategic Role
The Bahrain Defence Force (BDF) maintains as its core mission the defense of the Kingdom of Bahrain's sovereignty, territorial integrity, and maritime approaches, while ensuring internal security against domestic unrest and external incursions. This encompasses rapid response to threats, protection of critical infrastructure, and loyalty to the Al Khalifa ruling family, which dominates command structures to safeguard monarchical stability.[8][9] The BDF's operational focus prioritizes deterrence and defense given Bahrain's limited geographic depth and population of approximately 1.5 million, necessitating a compact force oriented toward asymmetric and hybrid threats rather than large-scale conventional warfare.[5] Strategically, the BDF anchors Bahrain's position in Gulf security architecture by hosting the U.S. Navy's Fifth Fleet headquarters in Manama since 1948, facilitating U.S. power projection and enhancing Bahrain's access to advanced intelligence, training, and equipment through bilateral agreements like the 1991 Defense Cooperation Agreement.[10] This partnership, renewed in frameworks such as the 2023 U.S.-Bahrain Strategic Security Agreement, counters Iranian influence and proxy activities, including missile threats and maritime disruptions in the Strait of Hormuz.[11] Within the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC), the BDF supports collective defense mechanisms, participating in joint exercises like Peninsula Shield to interoperability with Saudi Arabia and other members against shared regional adversaries.[9] The BDF's role extends to expeditionary contributions, such as deployments in the 1990-1991 Gulf War coalition and the Saudi-led intervention in Yemen since 2015, underscoring Bahrain's alignment with Sunni Arab states to preserve balance against expansionist powers.[8] Ongoing modernization, including acquisitions of F-16 aircraft and Patriot systems, aims to sustain credible deterrence amid persistent tensions, with defense spending averaging 4-5% of GDP to offset numerical disadvantages vis-à-vis larger neighbors.[5][12]Personnel Strength and Budget
The Bahrain Defence Force maintains an estimated 10,000 active-duty personnel, distributed across its primary branches with approximately 7,500 in the Royal Bahraini Army, 1,000 in the Royal Bahraini Navy, and 1,500 in the Royal Bahraini Air Force. Alternative assessments, such as those from the International Institute for Strategic Studies' Military Balance 2024, report a total of 8,200 active personnel, including 6,000 in the army, reflecting potential variances in classification of roles or inclusion of support elements.[5] Reserve personnel number around 2,000, while paramilitary units like the National Guard add approximately 1,200 members focused on internal security, separate from core BDF operations.[4] Bahrain's defense expenditure reached 1.384 billion USD in 2024, a decline from 1.622 billion USD in 2023, amid efforts to balance fiscal constraints with regional security needs.[13] This spending equates to roughly 3.1% of gross domestic product as recorded in 2023, positioning Bahrain among higher relative military investors in the Gulf region, though absolute figures remain modest compared to larger neighbors.[14] Budget allocations prioritize procurement of advanced systems, personnel training, and maintenance of U.S.-aligned capabilities, with historical trends showing stability around 1.4-1.6 billion USD annually since 2020 despite oil revenue fluctuations.[15]History
Pre-Independence and Establishment (Pre-1971)
Under British protection established through a series of treaties starting in 1820, Bahrain's external defense was largely managed by British naval and military forces stationed in the Gulf, which deterred threats from regional powers like Persia and the Ottoman Empire.[16] Internal security relied on tribal levies loyal to the Al Khalifa ruling family and a nascent police force, with no standing national army.[17] British advisors shaped these arrangements, providing training and oversight to maintain order amid communal tensions and occasional unrest, such as Shia-Sunni clashes in the early 20th century.[18] In 1924, Sheikh Hamad bin Isa Al Khalifa, with British assistance, formed the Bahrain Levy Corps as a paramilitary unit of about 100-200 men, recruited from Baluchi and Indian personnel to supplement the police in suppressing tribal disorders and guarding oil facilities emerging after 1932 discoveries.[19] The corps, equipped with rifles and under British officers, operated until its disbandment in 1926 due to disciplinary issues, including mutinies, reverting security to an expanded Bahrain State Police force that grew to around 1,000 by the 1950s.[20] During World War II, British-led defenses repelled Italian air raids on oil refineries in 1940, highlighting Bahrain's dependence on external protection.[21] Britain's 1968 announcement of full withdrawal from Gulf military commitments by the end of 1971 prompted Sheikh Isa bin Salman Al Khalifa, who ascended in 1961, to consolidate local units into a formal defense structure.[22] The Bahrain Defence Force (BDF) was established in 1969, initially comprising a small Royal Guard regiment of several hundred and ad hoc infantry elements totaling under 1,000 personnel, armed with light weapons and focused on territorial defense against potential Iranian claims.[1] This force, commanded by family members including Crown Prince Khalifa bin Salman, represented the first organized Bahraini military entity, absorbing police auxiliaries and preparing for sovereignty amid UN-supervised independence talks.[17]Post-Independence Expansion (1971–1990)
Following Bahrain's independence from the United Kingdom on August 15, 1971, the Bahrain Defence Force (BDF) transitioned from a modest formation reliant on British support to a more autonomous military structure, with initial emphasis on organizing scattered units into formalized branches including the army, navy, and air wing. At independence, the forces comprised primarily the Royal Guard Regiment and lightly armed irregular units totaling fewer than 3,000 personnel, focused on internal security rather than external projection. Expansion began with the establishment of the Royal Bahraini Army on August 8, 1971, incorporating British-trained officers and prioritizing professionalization through recruitment and basic training programs.[8][17] Throughout the 1970s, BDF capabilities remained limited amid fiscal constraints and regional stability, acquiring small numbers of French wheeled armored personnel carriers (such as Panhard AML-60s) and British 105mm artillery pieces to bolster ground defenses, while the nascent air wing operated basic helicopters for reconnaissance. Personnel growth was incremental, reaching approximately 4,000-5,000 by the decade's end, supported by mandatory national service introduced in 1978 for Bahraini males aged 17-45, aimed at building a loyal core force amid perceived threats from Iran following its 1979 revolution. Naval forces expanded modestly with patrol boats for Gulf waters, reflecting Bahrain's strategic island position and oil infrastructure vulnerabilities. This phase emphasized deterrence over offensive capacity, with ongoing reliance on British and Jordanian advisory roles for doctrine and logistics.[8][23] The 1980s marked accelerated modernization driven by the Iran-Iraq War (1980-1988) and Gulf-wide tensions, prompting Bahrain to diversify suppliers and invest in heavier equipment; key acquisitions included U.S. M60A3 main battle tanks (45 delivered starting 1987) for armored brigades and Northrop F-5E Tiger II fighters (12 acquired in 1985) to form the 6th Fighter Squadron, enhancing air defense at Isa Air Base. Total BDF strength grew to around 8,000-9,000 by 1990, with army manpower nearing 5,000, navy at 600-1,000, and air force at 450, facilitated by oil revenue and formation of the Gulf Cooperation Council in 1981 for joint exercises and procurement. The air wing achieved independent branch status as the Royal Bahraini Air Force in 1987, while internal security operations against sporadic unrest underscored the force's dual role in regime protection. These developments reflected causal priorities of self-sufficiency against asymmetric threats, with U.S. technical assistance via pre-positioning agreements laying groundwork for deeper ties, though primary focus remained on qualitative improvements over mass mobilization.[17][23][1]Modernization and Key Events (1991–Present)
Following the Gulf War of 1990–1991, in which Bahrain contributed to the U.S.-led coalition by providing port facilities, airfields, and conducting airstrikes against Iraqi targets, the Bahrain Defence Force (BDF) formalized deepened military ties with the United States through a Defense Cooperation Agreement signed on October 28, 1991. This agreement granted U.S. forces access to Bahraini bases and facilitated joint exercises, marking a pivotal shift toward enhanced interoperability and modernization amid regional threats from Iraq and Iran.[8] In the ensuing years, Bahrain pursued upgrades to its ground forces, incorporating U.S.-supplied M60A3 main battle tanks, M113 armored personnel carriers, 155mm artillery guns, and Stinger man-portable air-defense systems, with support from both U.S. Foreign Military Financing (totaling $195 million since 1993) and excess defense articles valued at $410 million.[8][6] By 2002, the U.S. designated Bahrain a major non-NATO ally, enabling expanded access to advanced weaponry and training programs to bolster its defensive posture.[24] The Royal Bahraini Air Force advanced its capabilities through acquisitions and upgrades, including F-16 Fighting Falcon fighters—making Bahrain the second Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) state after Saudi Arabia to operate them—and initiating Phase 1 modernization of its Bell AH-1 Cobra attack helicopters in the late 2010s, with plans for new platforms to enhance multirole strike and reconnaissance functions.[25] Naval forces received missile boats equipped with anti-ship missiles, reflecting a focus on littoral defense in the Persian Gulf.[8] These efforts, aided by GCC funding and U.S. technical assistance, emphasized asymmetric warfare capabilities, including special forces training, to counter potential invasions or insurgencies given Bahrain's small active personnel strength of approximately 8,500 in the army alone.[23] Key operational engagements included Bahrain's participation in the Saudi-led coalition intervening in Yemen's civil war starting March 2015, deploying air and ground assets against Houthi rebels aligned with Iran.[26] This involvement sustained casualties, such as two soldiers killed in a Houthi drone attack on a Saudi-Yemeni border position in September 2023 and three more in a similar incident later that month, underscoring the risks of expeditionary operations.[26] Domestically, during the 2011 unrest, BDF units collaborated with GCC Peninsula Shield Force deployments—primarily Saudi—to restore order, prioritizing internal stability amid Shia-majority protests perceived as externally influenced.[27] Bahrain's hosting of the U.S. Fifth Fleet headquarters, expanded under the 1991 agreement, has anchored ongoing cooperation, including joint patrols and intelligence sharing against Iranian naval threats, with U.S. personnel peaking at over 9,000 in recent years for Gulf security missions.[10] In 2023–2024, Bahrain joined U.S.-led efforts in the Red Sea against Houthi attacks, deploying naval assets despite broader GCC hesitations.[28] These developments reflect sustained investment in professionalization, with defense budgets supporting interoperability with allies while maintaining a deterrence-focused force structure.[10]Organization and Command Structure
Commander-in-Chief and Leadership
The Supreme Commander of the Bahrain Armed Forces, including the Bahrain Defence Force (BDF), is King Hamad bin Isa Al Khalifa, who exercises ultimate authority over military strategy, appointments, and national defense policy.[29] In this role, the King directs high-level decisions, such as responses to regional security threats and alliances, while maintaining oversight through periodic inspections and awards to personnel.[30] His position stems from Bahrain's constitutional monarchy, where the ruler's command ensures alignment with royal prerogatives amid the kingdom's strategic position in the Persian Gulf.[31] The Deputy Supreme Commander, Crown Prince Salman bin Hamad Al Khalifa, supports the King by supervising operational readiness, modernization initiatives, and coordination with international partners, including U.S. forces stationed in Bahrain.[32] Appointed to this role in 2008, the Crown Prince focuses on enhancing interoperability with allies and addressing asymmetric threats, reflecting Bahrain's reliance on coalition defense frameworks like those against Houthi aggression.[33] Operational command of the BDF falls to the Commander-in-Chief, Field Marshal Shaikh Khalifa bin Ahmed Al Khalifa, who holds the highest active rank and directs all branches, including the Royal Bahraini Army, Navy, and Air Force.[34] This position manages training, deployments, and logistics, with recent activities including meetings on joint exercises and equipment upgrades as of 2025.[35] Complementing this, Lieutenant General Abdullah bin Hassan Al Nuaimi serves as Minister of Defence Affairs, handling procurement, budget allocation—approximately 4-5% of GDP annually—and policy implementation outside direct combat command.[36] The structure centralizes authority under Al Khalifa family members and loyal Sunni officers, prioritizing regime stability over broad conscription, with no public data indicating Shia representation in senior roles.[5]Administrative and Operational Framework
The Bahrain Defence Force (BDF) maintains a centralized administrative framework under the direct authority of the King of Bahrain, who serves as the Supreme Commander and assumes overall command of the force, assigning national defense tasks domestically and abroad.[37] This structure ensures royal oversight of military policy and operations, with the Supreme Defense Council—chaired by the King and comprising the BDF Commander-in-Chief, National Security Agency director, and relevant ministers—formulating high-level defense strategies.[1] Day-to-day administration and command fall under the Commander-in-Chief, a position held by Field Marshal Shaikh Khalifa bin Ahmed Al Khalifa since 2008, who also functions as the de facto Minister of Defense in Bahrain's system.[1] [22] The Chief of Staff, currently Lieutenant General Theyab bin Saqr Al Nuaimi, manages operational planning, training, force development, and joint operations through the General Command's staff structure, including an Assistant Chief of Staff for Operations responsible for coordinated service activities.[38] [39] The BDF's small size—approximately 8,200 to 11,500 personnel—permits a streamlined hierarchy, with service commanders reporting through the Chief of Staff to the Commander-in-Chief, emphasizing efficiency in resource allocation and decision-making.[22] [1] Operationally, the BDF adopts a primarily defensive posture focused on protecting Bahrain's sovereignty, monarchy, and strategic assets against external aggression and internal threats, with doctrines influenced by Western models from training partnerships with the United States and United Kingdom.[22] The force prioritizes rapid response capabilities, such as a 48-hour defense timeline for ground elements and air superiority for interdiction, while integrating with Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) allies for collective security and hosting U.S. Fifth Fleet assets for enhanced maritime defense.[22] [1] Post-2011, operational emphasis shifted toward external threats and professional joint exercises, leaving internal security largely to police and National Guard units, though the BDF coordinates via the Supreme Defense Council to align with broader national security apparatus.[1] Foreign personnel, including mercenaries from Pakistan and Jordan, supplement Bahraini ranks to bolster operational capacity without diluting command loyalty to the Al Khalifa family.[1]Branches of Service
Royal Bahraini Army
The Royal Bahraini Army constitutes the land component of the Bahrain Defence Force, primarily responsible for territorial defense, border protection, and ground operations in support of national security objectives. Established in 1969 under the direction of Sheikh Isa bin Salman Al Khalifa, it operates as a professional volunteer force with a focus on rapid response and integration with allied forces, particularly the United States Fifth Fleet stationed in Bahrain.[1] As of 2024, the army maintains approximately 6,000 active personnel, forming the largest element of the Bahrain Defence Force's total active strength of 8,200.[5] The force emphasizes recruitment from Sunni communities and incorporates foreign contractors from nations such as Pakistan and Jordan to augment specialized roles, reflecting a deliberate strategy to ensure loyalty to the monarchy amid sectarian demographics where Shi'a Muslims comprise the majority of the population. Command falls under the overall Bahrain Defence Force Commander-in-Chief, Field Marshal Khalifa bin Ahmed Al Khalifa, with operational oversight by the Chief of Staff.[1][40] Organizationally, the army is structured around key combat formations including an armored brigade, a mechanized infantry brigade, and an artillery brigade, supplemented by reconnaissance, special forces, air defense, and support battalions.[4] This setup enables combined arms operations suited to Bahrain's compact terrain and urban environments, with units trained for both conventional warfare and counter-insurgency tasks. The armored brigade features two tank battalions and a reconnaissance element, while the mechanized infantry provides mobile firepower through tracked and wheeled vehicles.[22] The army's equipment inventory is predominantly U.S.-origin, accounting for about 90% of holdings, and emphasizes mobility over mass due to Bahrain's small size and reliance on coalition defense. Main battle tanks include roughly 180 M60A3 Pattons, with ongoing modernization via a notified sale of 50 M1A2 SEPv3 Abrams tanks, four M88A2 recovery vehicles, and associated ammunition in December 2024.[1][41] Armored fighting vehicles comprise approximately 200 M113A2 personnel carriers, 25 YPR-765 infantry fighting vehicles, and lighter reconnaissance assets such as 22 AML-90 armored cars.[1] Artillery assets feature self-propelled systems like M109 howitzers and M110A2 heavy guns, enhanced by a August 2025 notification for four M142 HIMARS multiple launch rocket systems equipped with precision-guided munitions for extended-range fires.[22][42] Capabilities are oriented toward defensive deterrence and expeditionary contributions, as demonstrated in deployments against ISIS in Iraq and Syria, and support to Saudi-led operations in Yemen. The army's effectiveness stems from high-quality training with U.S. and UK partners, though its small scale limits independent power projection, necessitating alliances for broader threats from regional actors like Iran.[1]Royal Bahraini Navy
The Royal Bahrain Naval Force (RBNF) serves as the maritime component of the Bahrain Defence Force, responsible for defending Bahrain's territorial waters, securing sea lines of communication in the Persian Gulf, and contributing to regional maritime security efforts.[43] Established in the aftermath of Bahrain's independence from British protection in 1971, the RBNF has evolved from a modest coastal defense unit into a professional naval service emphasizing patrol, interdiction, and interoperability with allied forces.[43] Its primary base is Mina Salman Naval Base in Manama, which supports both Bahraini operations and hosts elements of international partners, including the U.S. Navy's Fifth Fleet logistics.[44] Comprising approximately 700 personnel, the RBNF maintains a fleet oriented toward littoral warfare, anti-smuggling, and mine countermeasures, reflecting Bahrain's strategic position astride key oil shipping routes.[43] The force operates under the overall command of the Bahrain Defence Force Commander-in-Chief, with operational focus on asymmetric threats and coalition exercises such as those under the Combined Maritime Forces.[45] Recent enhancements include the acquisition of advanced patrol vessels to bolster surveillance and rapid response capabilities in the Gulf.[46] Key assets include offshore patrol vessels like RBNS Al-Zubara (80), a River-class vessel commissioned on February 9, 2021, after transfer from the UK Royal Navy, enhancing endurance for extended patrols.[46] In 2022, the RBNF received five Cyclone-class patrol ships from the U.S. Navy, including former USS Tempest (PC 2), to strengthen coastal defense and counter-terrorism operations.[47] The fleet also incorporates fast attack craft and support vessels, enabling participation in multinational drills like Neon Defender 21, which integrated air-maritime surface warfare training with U.S. forces.[48] The RBNF's modernization aligns with Bahrain's defense partnerships, particularly with the United States, which has provided training, equipment transfers, and $22.5 million in Foreign Military Financing since 2014 to sustain operational readiness.[10] These collaborations underscore the navy's role in upholding freedom of navigation amid regional tensions, without compromising Bahrain's sovereign command over its forces.[49]Royal Bahraini Air Force
The Royal Bahraini Air Force (RBAF) serves as the aerial warfare component of the Bahrain Defence Force, responsible for air defense, combat operations, reconnaissance, and transport support within Bahrain's national security framework. Headquartered at Isa Air Base, the RBAF operates from two primary bases: Isa Air Base for fixed-wing operations and Rifa'a Air Base for rotary-wing assets.[50] [51] The force emphasizes interoperability with Gulf Cooperation Council allies and maintains close ties with the United States through foreign military sales and joint training exercises.[52] Initially organized in 1977 with a focus on helicopter operations, the RBAF expanded its capabilities in the early 1980s by acquiring fixed-wing aircraft, including Northrop F-5E/F Tiger II fighters delivered starting in 1986.[53] This marked Bahrain's transition from reliance on ground-based defenses to an independent air arm capable of regional deterrence. By the late 1980s, the acquisition of McDonnell Douglas F-16C/D Block 40 Fighting Falcons enhanced its multirole fighter inventory, with initial deliveries occurring in 1988.[54] Modernization efforts intensified in the 2010s and 2020s, including upgrades to legacy F-16s and procurement of advanced variants. In 2018, Bahrain signed a contract for 16 Lockheed Martin F-16 Block 70 aircraft, with the first jet rolling out in March 2023 and initial deliveries commencing in early 2024; by March 2024, five Block 70s were operational, with the remainder in production.[55] [56] [57] The RBAF is structured into fighter, training, and helicopter squadrons under wings at Isa and Rifa'a. Key units include the 1st and 2nd Fighter Squadrons operating F-16C/D Block 40s, the 6th Tactical Fighter Squadron with F-5E/Fs, and helicopter squadrons such as the 3rd, 7th, 8th, 9th, and 10th, equipped with Bell UH-1H, Agusta-Bell AB212, Sikorsky UH-60 Black Hawk, and Bell AH-1Z Viper attack helicopters.[51] [58] The force comprises approximately 10 squadrons, prioritizing all-domain awareness and rapid deployment capabilities through partnerships like U.S. Air Forces Central Command exercises.[52] [59]| Aircraft Type | Role | Quantity (approx., as of 2024) | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| F-16C/D Block 40 | Multirole Fighter | 16 | Legacy fleet; undergoing upgrades[60] |
| F-16 Block 70 | Multirole Fighter | 5+ (of 16 ordered) | Advanced variant with AESA radar; deliveries ongoing[57] [61] |
| F-5E/F Tiger II | Fighter/Trainer | ~10-12 | Retained for training and secondary roles[51] |
| AH-1Z Viper | Attack Helicopter | 12 | Delivered 2019-2023; enhances close air support[62] [52] |
| UH-60 Black Hawk | Utility/Transport Helicopter | 8+ | Operated by Helicopter Wing for SAR and troop transport[51] |
| AB212 | Utility Helicopter | Several | Legacy maritime support variant[58] |
Royal Guard
The Royal Guard is an elite component of the Bahrain Defence Force (BDF), primarily tasked with safeguarding the royal family and their properties.[1] It operates as a combined arms unit, incorporating tanks, artillery, and infantry capabilities to support its protective and operational roles.[1] Commanded by Lieutenant General His Highness Shaikh Nasser bin Hamad Al Khalifa, who also serves as National Security Advisor, the unit maintains a focus on high-readiness special operations alongside ceremonial duties.[64] In addition to domestic security, the Royal Guard has participated in external deployments, including operations in Yemen where approximately 300 personnel were engaged.[1] Training emphasizes advanced tactical proficiency, as evidenced by regular exercises such as tank shooting drills overseen by the King, underscoring the unit's armored elements.[65] The Guard's structure integrates within the broader BDF framework, prioritizing loyalty and professionalism drawn from Bahrain's martial traditions.[1] Recent activities include recruit graduations and security forum inaugurations led by its commander, reflecting ongoing enhancements in national defense posture.[66][64]Equipment and Capabilities
Ground Forces Inventory
The Royal Bahraini Army's ground forces inventory primarily consists of main battle tanks, armored fighting vehicles, artillery pieces, and support vehicles, oriented toward defensive operations within Bahrain's limited geography and integrated with Gulf Cooperation Council capabilities.[67] The equipment reflects acquisitions largely from the United States, emphasizing compatibility with allied systems for interoperability.[68] Main Battle TanksThe army's armored core features the M60A3 Patton, with approximately 100 tanks in active service supplemented by 80 in storage, acquired starting in 1987.[69] In March 2024, the U.S. approved the sale of 50 M1A2 SEPv3 Abrams main battle tanks, four M88A2 recovery vehicles, and associated ammunition and support, representing a potential upgrade to enhance firepower and protection against regional threats.[70] Delivery status as of October 2025 remains pending confirmation from U.S. Foreign Military Sales processes. Armored Personnel Carriers and Infantry Fighting Vehicles
Tracked armored personnel carriers include variants of the M113, numbering around 115 units, alongside wheeled options such as 120 Panhard M3s for troop transport and reconnaissance.[68] Light armored cars like the AML-90 provide scouting support, with about 22 in service.[22] High-mobility multi-purpose wheeled vehicles (HMMWVs), including TOW missile carriers, form a significant portion of the mobility fleet, enabling rapid deployment in urban and coastal environments.[71] Artillery Systems
Self-propelled artillery comprises approximately 82 M109 howitzers (155mm), supporting mobile fire support.[68] Towed artillery includes 26 pieces, likely 155mm models for static defense.[68] Multiple launch rocket systems total 17 units, including nine M270s undergoing upgrades to M270A1 configuration for improved range and precision with guided munitions.[72][73] In August 2025, the U.S. approved four M142 HIMARS launchers with munitions, extending strike capabilities to over 300 kilometers.[42]
| Category | Type | Quantity (Active/Estimated) |
|---|---|---|
| Main Battle Tanks | M60A3 Patton | 100 active + 80 stored[69] |
| Armored Personnel Carriers (Tracked) | M113 series | ~115[68] |
| Armored Personnel Carriers (Wheeled) | Panhard M3 | ~120[68] |
| Self-Propelled Artillery | M109 (155mm) | ~82[68] |
| Multiple Launch Rocket Systems | M270/M270A1 + HIMARS (pending) | 17 total, including 9 M270[72][42] |
Naval Assets
The Royal Bahrain Naval Force (RBNF) operates a modest fleet emphasizing coastal patrol, anti-surface warfare, and maritime interdiction in the Persian Gulf, with assets primarily acquired from Western suppliers including the United States, Germany, and the United Kingdom.[74] The fleet totals approximately 20-30 vessels, supported by around 700-1,000 personnel, and is based at Mina Salman Naval Base near Manama.[43] Frigates form the backbone of Bahrain's limited blue-water capability, consisting of Oliver Hazard Perry-class vessels transferred from the U.S. Navy. RBNS Sabha (FFG-90), formerly USS Jack Williams (FFG-24), was commissioned into RBNF service in 1997 following acquisition in 1996 and modernization.[75] A second Perry-class frigate, ex-USS Robert G. Bradley (FFG-49), was approved for sale and refurbishment in 2019 at a cost of $150 million, with work ongoing as of 2022 to integrate advanced sensors and weapons systems; delivery remains pending completion.[76][77] Corvettes include two Al Manama-class (Lürssen FPB 62) missile-armed vessels: RBNS Al Manama (P-50), commissioned in 1987, and RBNS Al Muharraq (P-51), commissioned in 1988, equipped for anti-ship operations with Exocet missiles.[74] Patrol and offshore capabilities are provided by several classes. The River-class offshore patrol vessel RBNS Al Zubara (P-80), ex-HMS Clyde, was commissioned in February 2021 after acquisition from the UK in 2020, enhancing endurance for regional patrols.[78] The Ahmed Al Fateh-class (Lürssen TNC 45) comprises four missile patrol craft—RBNS Ahmed Al Fateh (P-20, 1984), Al Jaberi (P-21, 1984), Abdul Rahman Al-Fadel (P-22, 1986), and Sabah (P-23, 1989)—upgraded by Leonardo in 2022 with improved fire-control systems.[79] Smaller Al Riffa-class (Lürssen FPB 38) patrol boats, RBNS Al Riffa (P-10) and Hawar (P-11), both commissioned in 1982, support inshore duties.[74]| Class | Type | Ships (Commissioned Year) | Origin/Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| Oliver Hazard Perry | Frigate | RBNS Sabha (1997); ex-Robert G. Bradley (refurb ongoing) | U.S. transfer; Harpoon/Exocet capable |
| Al Manama (FPB 62) | Corvette | Al Manama (1987), Al Muharraq (1988) | German-built; missile-armed |
| River | Offshore Patrol Vessel | Al Zubara (2021) | Ex-UK HMS Clyde |
| Ahmed Al Fateh (TNC 45) | Missile Patrol Craft | Ahmed Al Fateh (1984), Al Jaberi (1984), Abdul Rahman Al-Fadel (1986), Sabah (1989) | Upgraded 2022; Exocet missiles |
| Al Riffa (FPB 38) | Patrol Boat | Al Riffa (1982), Hawar (1982) | Inshore patrol |
Air and Defense Systems
The Royal Bahraini Air Force maintains a modern fleet focused on multi-role fighters, attack helicopters, and training aircraft, primarily sourced from the United States to enhance interoperability with allied forces. Its combat aircraft inventory centers on the F-16 Fighting Falcon, with Bahrain acquiring 16 new Block 70 variants under a 2018 foreign military sale valued at $2.4 billion, featuring advanced AESA radars and electronic warfare suites. Deliveries began in early 2024, with the first three aircraft ferried to Bahrain in April and five total produced by March 2024, bolstering air superiority and precision strike capabilities against regional threats.[80][81] Helicopter assets include six Bell AH-1Z Viper attack platforms, introduced from late 2022 to replace older models and provide close air support with Hellfire missiles and advanced targeting systems. Utility and transport helicopters comprise eight UH-60M Black Hawks for troop movement and search-and-rescue missions. Training helicopters feature three Bell 505s delivered in March 2023, equipped for basic rotary-wing instruction with integrated avionics. Fixed-wing trainers consist of BAE Hawk jets for advanced pilot training.[82][83][51] Bahrain's air defense architecture integrates U.S.-supplied systems for layered protection against ballistic and cruise missiles. The Patriot PAC-3 Missile Segment Enhancement (MSE) interceptors, with initial shipments received in March 2024, offer hit-to-kill capability against advanced threats, integrated with existing Patriot batteries to safeguard critical infrastructure. An AN/TPS-59(V)3B long-range ballistic missile defense radar, delivered by Lockheed Martin, provides 360-degree surveillance and cueing for Patriot engagements, enhancing early warning over the Persian Gulf. Shorter-range systems include 10 Crotale launchers for low-altitude air defense and 40 RBS 70 man-portable units for point protection.[84][85][86]| Category | Key Systems | Quantity/Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Fighters | F-16 Block 70 | 16 ordered, deliveries ongoing since 2024[81] |
| Attack Helicopters | AH-1Z Viper | 6 in service[82] |
| Utility Helicopters | UH-60M Black Hawk | 8 operational[51] |
| Trainers (Helicopter) | Bell 505 | 3 delivered in 2023[83] |
| Surface-to-Air Missiles | PAC-3 MSE (Patriot) | Initial interceptors received 2024[84] |
| Radars | AN/TPS-59(V)3B | 1 delivered for BMD[85] |