HRH the Crown Prince, Deputy Supreme Commander of the Armed Forces and Prime Minister attends the 50th anniversary celebration of the Royal Bahraini Air Force
On behalf of His Majesty King Hamad bin Isa Al Khalifa, Supreme Commander of the Armed Forces, His Royal Highness Prince Salman bin Hamad Al Khalifa, the Crown Prince, Deputy Supreme Commander of the Armed Forces and Prime Minister, attended the 50th anniversary celebration of the Royal Bahraini Air Force.
Upon arrival at the Isa Air Base, His Royal Highness was received by His Highness Lieutenant-General Shaikh Nasser bin Hamad Al Khalifa, the National Security Advisor, Royal Guard Commander and Secretary-General of the Supreme Defence Council.
During the visit, His Royal Highness was accompanied by His Highness Lieutenant Colonel Shaikh Mohammed bin Salman bin Hamad Al Khalifa and His Excellency Shaikh Salman bin Khalifa Al Khalifa, Minister of Finance and National Economy.
HRH Prince Salman bin Hamad was also received HE Lieutenant General Abdullah bin Hassan Al Nuaimi, the Minister of Defence Affairs, Lieutenant-General Theyab bin Saqr Al-Nuaimi, the Bahrain Defence Force (BDF) Chief of Staff, Major General Shaikh Hamad bin Abdullah Al Khalifa, Commander of the Royal Bahraini Air Force, and several senior BDF officials.
HRH the Crown Prince, Deputy Supreme Commander of the Armed Forces and Prime Minister, conveyed His Majesty’s greetings and appreciation to all members of the Royal Bahraini Air Force for their efforts to protect the Kingdom.
His Royal Highness noted that the establishment of the Royal Bahraini Air Force 50 years ago was due to His Majesty, the first pilot’s, strategic and forward-looking vision, through which the Air Force has evolved into a modern military force with the highest levels of readiness in training, qualification, and armament using the latest technologies and systems.
HRH Prince Salman bin Hamad commended the development and efficiency demonstrated by the BDF, enabling it to conduct its duties to safeguard the Kingdom.
His Royal Highness expressed pride in the readiness shown by the Royal Bahraini Air Force, attributing this to the continued support of His Majesty the King to build upon its capabilities, equipping it with the latest military systems, and strengthening the capabilities of its personnel to operate these systems.
HRH the Crown Prince, Deputy Supreme Commander of the Armed Forces and Prime Minister, highlighted that Bahrain would remain a safe place for all who live within it, thanks to the constant readiness of the BDF.
His Royal Highness commended the BDF’s remarkable achievements, and its tireless and ongoing work in strategic planning, preparation, and evaluation. As well as the high level of expertise and professionalism and capabilities of its personnel, enabling them to effectively utilise advanced military systems to uphold the Kingdom’s security.
His Royal Highness congratulated His Majesty the Supreme Commander of the Armed Forces, on his own behalf and on behalf of all personnel of the Royal Bahraini Air Force, on the occasion of the 50th anniversary of the Air Force’s establishment.
HRH Prince Salman bin Hamad noted that throughout its history, the Royal Bahraini Air Force has embodied the highest values of sacrifice, loyalty, and dedication, while contributing to bolstering security and peace in the Kingdom, line with His Majesty’s comprehensive vision.
His Royal Highness also congratulated His Excellency Field Marshal Shaikh Khalifa bin Ahmed Al Khalifa, Commander-in-Chief of the BDF, the Commander of the Royal Bahraini Air Force, and all members of the Air Force on the 50th anniversary of the esteemed institution.
HRH Prince Salman bin Hamad expressed his gratitude and appreciation to all members of the Royal Bahraini Air Force for their dedicated national efforts in protecting strategic and vital interests across Bahrain following the hostile Iranian attacks, in cooperation with the BDF. His Royal Highness wished them continued success and guidance in serving and defending the Kingdom.
His Royal Highness also commended the efforts and contributions of the founding officers of the Royal Bahraini Air Force, which played a role in the progress and development achieved by the air force.
During the ceremony, His Royal Highness presented the flag of the Mohammed bin Zayed Squadron, the newest squadron of fighters to join the Royal Bahraini Air Force, as part of the strategic development plan of the force. The squadron consists of modern F16 Block 70 fighter aircraft, making Bahrain the first country in the world to acquire this type of fighter aircraft, which has enhanced the combat capabilities of the Royal Bahraini Air Force.
HRH the Crown Prince, Deputy Supreme Commander of the Armed Forces and Prime Minister, commended the role of the Royal Bahraini Air Force during the recent regional conflict, and its firm response to threats and aggressions against the Kingdom. HRH also commended its effective participation alongside the armed forces of allied countries in advancing regional and international security, stability, and peace.
For his part, the Commander of the Royal Bahraini Air Force delivered a speech in which he expressed his gratitude to His Majesty the King, the Supreme Commander of the Armed Forces, for patronage of the ceremony commemorating the 50th anniversary of the Royal Bahraini Air Force.
The Commander also expressed his gratitude to HRH the Crown Prince, Deputy Supreme Commander of the Armed Forces and Prime Minister, for attending the ceremony. He emphasised his pride in the distinguished level attained by the Royal Bahraini Air Force across key areas.
The Commander noted that this reflects the unwavering support the force has received from His Majesty the King, Supreme Commander of the Armed Forces, and the directives of HRH the Crown Prince, Deputy Supreme Commander of the Armed Forces and Prime Minister, and the follow-up of His Excellency the Commander-in-Chief of the Bahrain Defence Force.
During the ceremony, Lieutenant Colonel Thamer Mohammed Al-Kaabi recited a poem on the occasion, and a film was presented highlighting the various stages of development of the Royal Bahraini Air Force since its establishment, culminating in its current distinguished level of professionalism.
