Royal Bahraini Air Force
Key facts
Official Name | Royal Bahraini Air Force |
Local Name | سلاح الجو الملكي البحريني (Silah al Jaw al Malaki al Bahraini) |
Country | 🇧🇭 Bahrain |
World rank | #63 over 160 |
Active aircrafts | 132 as of 2025 |
Aircrafts on order | 7 |
Roundel |
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Overview
The Bahrain Air Force, officially known as the Royal Bahraini Air Force (RBAF), is the aviation branch of the Bahrain Defense Force. Established in 1977, it has since developed into a capable air force. The air force primarily operates a fleet of fighter aircraft, including modernized versions of the American F-16 Fighting Falcon and the British Hawk jet trainers. Additionally, it also operates transport aircraft like the Lockheed C-130 Hercules and helicopters such as the Bell AH-1 Cobra and Eurocopter AS332 Super Puma. The Bahrain Air Force maintains its primary mission of providing aerial defense for the Kingdom of Bahrain and protecting its national security interests. It has had active participation in various regional military exercises and training programs, showcasing its commitment to maintaining operational readiness and enhancing its capabilities. Over the years, the air force has also engaged in international cooperation, conducting joint training exercises with air forces from other countries to foster military relationships and exchange knowledge.
Origin countries of aircrafts
Country | Active Aircraft | |
---|---|---|
🇺🇸 United States | 117 | |
🇬🇧 United Kingdom | 9 | |
🇩🇪 Germany | 6 |
Evolution of Bahraini Air Force fleet
Aircrafts by type in 2025
Aircraft type | Active | |
---|---|---|
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80 | |
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41 | |
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9 | |
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2 |
Full inventory in 2025
Royal Bahraini Air Force
Aircraft Type | Model | Origin Country | Model Year | Active | 𝚫 YoY | Ordered | |
---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
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F-16C/V | 🇺🇸 | 1979 | 24 | +6 |
7 |
|
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F-5E/F | 🇺🇸 | 1976 | 12 | 0 |
0 |
|
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F-16D | 🇺🇸 | 1979 | 4 | 0 |
0 |
|
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Cessna 208 | 🇺🇸 | 1984 | 1 | 0 |
0 |
|
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AH-1E/F | 🇺🇸 | 1967 | 22 | 0 |
0 |
|
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Bell 212/412 | 🇺🇸 | 1959 | 21 | 0 |
0 |
|
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AH-1Z | 🇺🇸 | 1967 | 12 | +6 |
0 |
|
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AH-1P | 🇺🇸 | 1967 | 8 | 0 |
0 |
|
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S-70/UH-60M | 🇺🇸 | 1979 | 8 | 0 |
0 |
|
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BO105 | 🇩🇪 | 1970 | 4 | 0 |
0 |
|
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Bell 505 | 🇺🇸 | 2017 | 3 | 0 |
0 |
|
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C-130J | 🇺🇸 | 1956 | 2 | 0 |
0 |
|
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Hawk 129 | 🇬🇧 | 1976 | 6 | 0 |
0 |
|
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T67M260 | 🇬🇧 | 1974 | 3 | 0 |
0 |
Royal Bahraini Navy
Aircraft Type | Model | Origin Country | Model Year | Active | 𝚫 YoY | Ordered | |
---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
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BO105 | 🇩🇪 | 1970 | 2 | 0 |
0 |