Bahrain’s navy forces will join their US counterparts next month to take part in maritime exercises aimed at combating threats from unmanned systems and artificial intelligence (AI).
Royal Bahrain Naval Force (RBNF) will partner with Task Force 59, under the Fifth Fleet to tackle emerging threats.
The GDN reported earlier that Bahrain had been chosen as the headquarters for a first-of its-kind US Navy task force focussing on the integration of unmanned systems and AI.
The Bahrain Coastguard Commander Major Genera Ala Seyadi and RBNF commander Admiral Mohammed Al Asam visited the US Naval Forces Central Command (NAVCENT) in Juffair yesterday, to discuss new co-operation strategies.
“We have an enduring strategic relationship with Bahrain and our mutual commitment to advancing new unmanned systems demonstrates us strengthening the partnership in a new way,” said Fifth Fleet Commander Vice Admiral Brad Cooper.
“This initiative enables us to expand maritime domain awareness on, above and below the water and enhance regional deterrence.”
Vice Adm Cooper briefed the Bahraini officials on the latest unmanned surface, underwater and aerial vehicles on site.
“In October, Bahrain’s maritime forces will be the first regional partners to collaborate with Task Force 59 on a manned-unmanned teaming exercise to evaluate advanced unmanned surface vessels,” said the Fifth Fleet. “The at-sea event will kick off a series of maritime exercises that integrate manned and unmanned systems during operations with regional and coalition partners.”
Task Force 59 is led by Commodore Captain Michael Brasseur, supported by world-class advisers on strategy, science, technology and ethics.
The current task force strength includes 15 military and civilian personnel and is expected to include five additional personnel as well as five to 10 liaison officers by the fall of 2022.
The autonomous systems aim to provide additional strategic and tactical capabilities to the US Navy and its partners and comes at a time of heightened maritime threats from Iran, specifically with the alleged use of unmanned drones.
sandy@gdn.com.bh
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