The joint air drill “Basic Liaison 2018” kicked off Sunday in Bahrain under the patronage of Commander-in-Chief of Bahrain Defense Force (BDF) Field Marshal Sheikh Khalifa bin Ahmed Al Khalifa.
The exercise is carried out by the Royal Bahrain Air Force (RBAF) with the participation of air forces from the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia and the UAE. Oman, Kuwait, Jordan, Egypt, the UK and Pakistan are also taking part as observers, Bahrain News Agency (BNA) reported.
On arrival at Isa Air Base, the BDF Commander-in-Chief was welcomed by RBAF Commander Air Vice-Marshal Sheikh Hamad bin Abdullah Al Khalifa, the drill Director and Heads of the participating delegations.
In a speech delivered on the occasion, the RBAF Commander thanked the BDF Commander-in-Chief for patronizing the opening of the exercise which is considered as one of the most important air drills implemented by RBAF. He also pointed out that the exercise had been carried out for 30 years now.
Field Marshal Sheikh Khalifa conveyed the greetings of His Majesty King Hamad bin Isa Al Khalifa, the Supreme Commander, pointing out the big strides made by the air forces in the region in military work. He praised the achievements of RBAF and hailed participation of the air forces from brotherly and friendly countries, wishing them every success. He pointed out that only two countries participated in the first Liaison Drill 1988, commending large participation in the 30th edition of the exercise.
The BDF Commander-in-Chief pointed out that two drills are being carried out simultaneously with the Liaison Drill 2018. They are the maritime drill “Bridge 19” and the land forces exercise with the Peninsula Shield Forces “Hamad Shield 1”. He emphasized that the military exercises will contribute to boosting the combat readiness, wishing all every success.
Then, Field Marshal Sheikh Khalifa listened to a briefing on the goals and stages of the exercise, the jet fighters participating in it and the command and control means.
The opening was attended by BDF Chief of Staff Lt. General Dhiab bin Saqr Al Nuaimi, General Command Court Director Major General Hassan Mohammed Sa’ad, Assistant Chief of Staff for Supply and Catering Rear Admiral Yusef Ahmed Malallah and senior officers.
