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Bahrain Royal Air Force - Modernization

The Bahraini Royal Air Force has witnessed a lot of development and modernization since its establishment in both fighter aircraft, equipment and various equipment, where the helicopters ((Black Hawk)) and (Cobra) have been in service. In addition to RJ and Boeing 737 airplanes, which are a paradigm shift in the history of the Royal Bahrain Air Force, the entry of this particular type of aircraft is a confirmation of the strategic approach of the development and modernization of the weapons and units of the Defense Force.

On December 12, 1985, His Majesty King Hamad bin Isa Al Khalifa announced the arrival of a number of modern F-5 fighter jets, joining the Royal Bahrain Air Force on May 28, 1990. His Majesty King Hamad bin Isa Al Khalifa, the Supreme Commander of the State of Qatar, paid an inspection visit to the Issa Air Base after completing the first phase of its establishment, on the occasion of the entry of modern fighter jets (F-16) to serve in the Royal Bahrain Air Force. Work at the Issa Air Base prefer the late Saa The love of His Highness Sheikh Isa bin Salman Al Khalifa, and included his patronage on the morning of the second day of February 1993, the celebration of the Silver Jubilee of the Bahrain Defense Force, and the inauguration of the Issa Air Base, this base, which took into account the latest international and modern specifications.

After initially being denied shoulder-fired Stinger SAMs by congressional objections, Bahrain was allowed to purchase the weapons on a provisional basis and later to retain them permanently. The main air force base is adjacent to Bahrain International Airport on Al Muharraq. Another base developed for use in the Persian Gulf War is available near the southern tip of Bahrain; as of 1992, it was being used for servicing carrier-based United States aircraft.

On 26 June 2002, the Defense Security Cooperation Agency notified Congress of a possible Foreign Military Sale to Bahrain of a 3 dimensional radar and associated equipment and services. The total value, if all options are exercised, could be as high as $40 Million. The Government of Bahrain has requested a possible sale of one AN/TPS-59(V)3 3-dimensional land based radar, one Air Defense Communication Platform, spare and repair parts, publications, personnel training and training equipment, technical assistance, contractor technical and logistics personnel services and other related elements of program support.

On July 28, 2006 the Defense Security Cooperation Agency notified Congress of a possible Foreign Military Sale to Bahrain of UH-60M Black Hawk helicopters as well as associated equipment and services. The total value, if all options are exercised, could be as high as $252 million. The Government of Bahrain has requested a possible sale of nine (9) UH-60M Black Hawk helicopters, two (2) T700-GE-701D turbine engines, spare and repair parts, publications and technical data, support equipment, personnel training and training equipment, contractor engineering, logistics, and technical support services, a Quality Assurance Team, aircraft survivability equipment, tools and test equipment, and other related elements of logistics support.

On February 26, 2007, the Royal Bahrain Air Force (RAF) Hawk Advanced Training Aircraft joined its predecessor, the Firefly, where HRH Prince Salman bin Hamad Al Khalifa, Crown Prince, Deputy Supreme Commander and First Deputy Prime Minister, expressed his happiness for the inauguration. These aircraft, saying: "The entry of these aircraft service in the Royal Air Force of Bahrain is a qualitative leap in the history of this weapon we seek to develop and modernize and supply all new and modern weapons and advanced systems, and that the joining of these aircraft comes to enhance the ability of advanced self-training on jet aircraft And to complement the combat system of this vital weapon".

On August 3, 2007 the Defense Security Cooperation Agency notified Congress of a possible Foreign Military Sale to Bahrain of Bell 412 Air Search and Recovery Helicopters as well as associated equipment and services. The total value, if all options are exercised, could be as high as $160 million. The Government of Bahrain has requested a possible sale of six Bell 412 Air Search and Recovery Helicopters configured with PT6T-9 engines and electronic engine control, spare and repair parts, publications and technical data, personnel training and training equipment, U.S. Government (USG) support, and contractor representatives’ engineering and technical support services, and other related elements of logistics support.

In 2009 the Bahrain Defense Force General Headquarters requested U.S. Government permission to demilitarize and dispose of three (3) TAH-1F Cobra Attack Helicopter airframes. Many components and repair parts for this type of aircraft are no longer available for purchase and repairs are cost prohibitive. All serviceable components have been removed from these aircraft for repair of other aircraft in Bahrain's fleet. The remaining airframes are no longer useful. Bahrain acquired and refurbished the three (3) TAH-1P helicopters under Foreign Military Sales case BA-B-UFX using national funds.

The Royal Bahraini Air Force was working towards achieving full operational capability with its new Sikorsky UH-60M Black Hawk utility helicopters, eight of which were delivered in early September 2010. Formed at Riffa air base, the air force's 12 Sqn would operate the Black Hawks as replacements for the service's 11 Agusta/Bell AB212s. One of the type's main uses would be search and rescue operations at sea.

The development process continued with the Royal Bahrain Air Force. On January 12, 2010, His Majesty King Hamad bin Isa Al Khalifa, the Royal Commander of the State of Qatar, sponsored the opening ceremony of the Sakhir Air Base and the first edition of the Bahrain International Air Show. His Majesty the King, the Supreme Commander of the Kingdom, affirmed on the occasion: `` The opening of this air base is an important event that will provide vital services to our dear country, as it is one of the multi-purpose bases for the benefit of our country. '' Ziz and our esteemed), said King may God protect him, saying: (The opening of this air base coincides with an important air show, the Bahrain International Air Show, which is held in the Kingdom of Bahrain for the first time the military, civil and commercial multi-Bastkhaddamath). This was the first advanced aviation exhibition to be held on the ground in the Kingdom of Bahrain.

On February 8, 2011, His Majesty the King preferred the Supreme Commander, and his high patronage included the celebration held at Riffa Air Base on the occasion of the inauguration of the Black Hawk M and its facilities. May God protect him and his Speech on this occasion saying: (It is good to meet you today at Riffa Air Base, which is one of the strong pillars of our great defense force, and the site from which the establishment of the Royal Bahrain Air Force; The development stages of this vital weapon continued with the addition of helicopters of the type ((Bell 412)) and also includes the Royal Bahrain Air Force on the air defense system ((Hawk)).

By 2015 the service was about to undertake a two-phased recapitalisation program with some of its current inventory first upgraded, with new platform acquisitions to follow. Phase 1 will first see the RBAF upgrade its fleet of Bell AH-1 Cobra attack helicopters. The fixed-wing portion of the Phase 1 upgrade involves upgrading the air force's F-16C/D platforms with new systems, advanced avionics and displays, new sensors, datalinks, and a new active electronically scanned array [AESA] radar.

Phase 2 would see the air force acquire a new attack helicopter type, as well as a new 'generation 4+' combat aircraft. The RBAF had entered into negotiations with Turkish Aerospace Industries (TAI) for T129 ATAK combat helicopters. The fixed-wing portion of Phase 2 will see the RBAF look to acquire a new fighter aircraft type "beyond 2025", to augment the upgraded F-16s and replace the F-5s.