Field Marshal Shaikh Khalifa bin Ahmed Al Khalifa, Commander-in-Chief of the Bahrain Defence Force (BDF), met Thursday with senior BDF officers.

Lieutenant General Abdullah bin Hassan Al Nuaimi, Minister of Defence Affairs, and Lieutenant General Theyab bin Saqr Al Nuaimi, Chief of Staff, were present at the meeting.

The Commander-in-Chief was briefed on the key phases of the development plans underway at the BDF. He highlighted that the progress in BDF weaponry and units, driven by comprehensive planning and advanced training programmes, reflects the leadership of His Majesty King Hamad bin Isa Al Khalifa, the Supreme Commander of the Armed Forces, and the support of His Royal Highness Prince Salman bin Hamad Al Khalifa, Crown Prince, Deputy Supreme Commander of the Armed Forces, and Prime Minister.

The Commander-in-Chief noted that the BDF has reached the highest levels of efficiency and readiness by equipping its weapons and units with the latest advanced defence systems, Bahrain News Agency (BNA) reported.

Earlier, the Commander-in-Chief of the Bahrain Defence Force (BDF) chaired the Supreme Military Pension Council meeting on Wednesday.

His Highness General Shaikh Mohammed bin Isa Al Khalifa, National Guard Commander; General Shaikh Rashid bin Abdullah Al Khalifa, Minister of Interior; Shaikh Salman bin Khalifa Al Khalifa, Minister of Finance and National Economy; Lieutenant General Abdullah bin Hassan Al Nuaimi, Minister of Defence Affairs, attended the meeting.

Lieutenant General Theyab bin Saqr Al Nuaimi, Chief of Staff; Shaikh Ahmed bin Abdulaziz Al Khalifa, Chairman of the Strategic Security Bureau; and Brigadier General Bassam Mohammed Khamis Al Miraj, President of the National Intelligence Agency (NIA), were also present.

The Council discussed its general policies regarding the achievements and management of the Military Pension Fund, including technical and administrative regulations. The meeting also reviewed investment plans for managing and investing the fund’s resources and considered the fund's future general policies.

The Commander-in-Chief commended the efforts of all Council members, emphasizing the importance of collaboration and development to ensure the sustainability and advancement of the fund.

The Commander-in-Chief highlighted the need to safeguard retirees’ funds and establish systems and regulations to enhance the fund’s benefits.