BAHRAIN’S air force is in the process of modernising its ageing fleet as it deals with security challenges such as external threats from Iran.
Royal Bahrain Air Force (RBAF) Commander Air Vice Marshal Shaikh Hamad bin Abdulla Al Khalifa said his teams were tackling a number of “serious issues”, including the fight against terrorism, despite budget constraints and ageing equipment.
He told aerospace and defence news website Shephard that under his command the air force was dealing with multiple regional challenges and threats.
“We are still engaged with the Saudi Arabia-led Arab coalition in Yemen, where our F-16s provide close air support along Saudi Arabia’s southern border with Yemen,” said Air Vice Marshal Shaikh Hamad.
“We have flown more than 10,000 hours and in excess of 3,500 sorties in that role over the past three-and-a-half years.
“But we will still modernise our systems and maintain high readiness to face the challenges of our more aggressive neighbour (Iran) which continues to threaten and destabilise the region.”
He explained that Iran has been threatening the region for a long time, not only as a country but through “militias who are followers or believers of Iran”.
“The GCC is doing much better to counter that threat and we are pleased the international coalition now understands,” he added.
He also called for integration of operations and facilities within the GCC states as they strengthen their air power to deal with emerging threats and challenges.
During last year’s Bahrain International Air Show, Air Vice Marshal Shaikh Hamad announced a $912 million deal for 12 AH-1Z Cobra Viper attack helicopters from aircraft manufacturers Bell Helicopter.
He said at the time that deliveries would start in the second half of 2022 and completed in early 2023.
“The world’s most advanced attack helicopter will continue to secure the country,” he told the London-based publication.
“They will work alongside the current Cobra fleet and help to improve our share of the responsibility in the growth and security of the Gulf region.”
He said the RBAF was upgrading the older Cobra fleet to “give them a better night fighting capability”, adding that the process was expected to end this year.
He also revealed that a selection process was underway for pilots to man the new machines, with a good number of them now trained on the new equipment.
“We started preparing for the arrival of new F-16s two years ago, and on the Cobras we started a few months ago with the selection of pilots and technicians,” he said.
The GDN reported in November that Bahrain would receive the first four of the latest F-16 fighter jets in 2022 as part of a larger $3.8 billion deal, making it the first country in the world to possess the newest generation warplane.
The multi-billion dollar agreement for 16 F-16 fighter jets was signed in 2017 with Maryland-based Lockheed Martin Corp, with Bahrain fully owning the jets by 2023.
sandy@gdn.com.bh
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