His Majesty King Hamad, the Supreme Commander of the Armed Forces, yesterday inaugurated a new fleet of advanced twin-engine attack helicopters, AH1-Z Cobra, that are being introduced in the BDF as part of the Bahrain Shield project.
The inauguration, coinciding with the 56th anniversary of the BDF, was attended by His Royal Highness Prince Salman bin Hamad Al Khalifa, Crown Prince, Deputy Supreme Commander of the Armed Forces and Prime Minister.
The King 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.
He expressed appreciation for the dedicated efforts of BDF affiliates in safeguarding the kingdom and ensuring the safety of citizens and national unity. BDF’s valiant personnel will ‘always be a source of pride’ and the establishment of the force will remain ‘a memorable moment in the progress of the kingdom’, he said.
The King thanked HRH the Crown Prince, Deputy Supreme Commander of the Armed Forces and Prime Minister for following up and supporting the development of the armed forces.
He also thanked the BDF Commander-in-Chief for his efforts in leading the force.
His Majesty recounted the role of founding officers, expressing appreciation for their valuable contributions. He also commended the people of Bahrain for their constant keenness to serve their country and contribute to its prosperity with their will and determination to achieve success.
The King was earlier received at the venue by BDF Commander-in-Chief Field Marshal Shaikh Khalifa bin Ahmed Al Khalifa. He was accompanied by National Security Adviser and Royal Guard Commander Lieutenant-General Shaikh Nasser bin Hamad Al Khalifa and Royal Guard Special Force commander Colonel Shaikh Khalid bin Hamad Al Khalifa.
Royal Bahraini Air Force (RBAF) commander Air Vice-Marshal Shaikh Hamad bin Abdulla Al Khalifa delivered a speech in which he congratulated the King on the 56th anniversary of the BDF and hailed his efforts in leading the ongoing development of the force.
He also congratulated His Majesty on inaugurating ‘Bahrain Shield’, expressing his appreciation for his support which ensured the project’s successful completion.
He added that RBAF was the first to operate AH1-Z Cobra outside the United States of America.
Air Vice-Marshal Shaikh Hamad said the project, 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 all weather conditions, noting that it was an addition to the combat readiness of the force in effectively handling challenges.
The King was presented with a memento by HRH Prince Salman.
The BDF Commander-in-Chief also presented mementos to the King and HRH the Crown Prince, Deputy Supreme Commander of the Armed Forces and Prime Minister.
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