His Majesty King Hamad bin Isa Al Khalifa, the Supreme Commander, inaugurated Monday AH1-Z Cobra, the newly introduced attack helicopters into the Bahrain Defence Force (BDF) as part of the Bahrain Shield project.
The inauguration, coinciding with the occasion of the 56th anniversary of the BDF, was attended by His Royal Highness Prince Salman bin Hamad Al Khalifa, the Crown Prince, Deputy Supreme Commander of the Armed Forces, and Prime Minister.
His Majesty the King was received at the venue of the event by Field Marshal Shaikh Khalifa bin Ahmed Al Khalifa, the Commander-in-Chief of the BDF, Bahrain News Agency (BNA) reported.
His Majesty was accompanied by Lieutenant-General His Highness Shaikh Nasser bin Hamad Al Khalifa, National Security Advisor and Royal Guard Commander; and Colonel His Highness Shaikh Khalid bin Hamad Al Khalifa, Commander of the Royal Guard’s Special Force.
Air Vice-Marshal Shaikh Hamad bin Abdulla Al Khalifa, Commander of the Royal Bahraini Air Force (RBAF) delivered a speech in which he congratulated HM the King on the 56th anniversary of the BDF and hailed the efforts of His Majesty in leading the ongoing development of the force.
The RBAF Commander also congratulated His Majesty on inaugurating “Bahrain Shield”, expressing his appreciation for His Majesty's support which ensured the project's successful completion.
The Commander said that the project, which was signed off by HRH the Crown Prince, Deputy Supreme Commander of the Armed Forces, and Prime Minister in 2018, was fully ready to operate in various circumstances and all weather conditions, noting that it was an addition to the combat readiness of the force in effectively handling different challenges.
Air Vice Marshal Shaikh Hamad added that RBAF was the first to operate AH1-Z Cobra, which is one of the most advanced in the world, outside the United States of America.
The Commander concluded his remarks by thanking His Majesty the King and Supreme Commander, and HRH the Crown Prince, Deputy Supreme Commander of the Armed Forces, and Prime Minister; for their support, directives and follow up which have significantly driven the successful development of the air force.
HM the King was then presented with a memento from HRH the Crown Prince, Deputy Supreme Commander of the Armed Forces, and Prime Minister. The BDF Commander-in-Chief also presented mementos to HM the King and HRH the Crown Prince, Deputy Supreme Commander of the Armed Forces, and Prime Minister.
His Majesty congratulated all officers and personnel of the BDF and citizens on the occasion of the 56th anniversary of the BDF.
His Majesty expressed appreciation for the dedicated efforts of BDF affiliates to safeguard the kingdom, safety of citizens and national unity. HM the King said that they will always be a source of pride, and that the establishment of the force will remain as a memorable moment in the progress of the Kingdom.
HM the King thanked HRH the Crown Prince, Deputy Supreme Commander of the Armed Forces, and Prime Minister for the follow up and support of the development of the armed forces. His Majesty also thanked the BDF Commander-in-Chief for his distinguished efforts in leading the force. His Majesty recounted the role of founding officers, expressing appreciation for their valuable contributions.
His Majesty hailed the significant progress made by the BDF in developing its capabilities, as well as in making landmark contributions in a number of areas, including health, housing, sports, humanitarian and relief aid efforts and organising key events, including the Bahrain International Air Show.
HM the King also commended the people of Bahrain for their constant keenness on serving its country and contributing to its prosperity with their will and determination to achieve success.
