Royal Bahraini Air Force

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.

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	#67
Active aircrafts	116 (as of 2024)
Aircrafts on order	22
Roundel

Number of active aircrafts by type

Aircraft type	Active
Helicopters	59
Training	37
Combat aircrafts	17
Transport	3

Aircrafts most used by Bahraini air forces

Aircraft	Active	Type
AH-1 Cobra	36	American attack helicopter, distinguished for its service in the Vietnam War, designed for rapid frontline response and anti-armor operation.
F-16 Fighting Falcon	21	American multirole fighter, famed in late Cold War conflicts, renowned for performance in precision daytime strikes and defensive counter air operations.
UH-1 Iroquois "Huey"	21	American utility helicopter, essential in the Vietnam War, extensively employed for medevac, transport, and combat operations.
F-5E Tiger II	12	American fighter jet, used in the Cold War era, notable for its worldwide military deployments, including operation Desert Storm.
UH-60 Black Hawk	8	American utility helicopter, renowned for service in Iraq and Afghanistan, extensively employed for troop transport and medical evacuation.
Bo 105	6	German light, twin-engine helicopter, known for its use in emergency medical services and military operations worldwide since the 1970s.
Hawk	6	British trainer jet, distinguished in Red Arrows aerobatic team, extensively operational since the 1970s worldwide.
T-67 Firefly	3	British aerobatic aircraft, renowned in the 1980s, used extensively for military training worldwide.
C-130 Hercules	2	American military transport aircraft, known for significant roles in Vietnam War and Desert Storm, extensively used for various cargo missions.
208 Caravan	1	American utility aircraft, primarily deployed for passenger and cargo transportation, known for its operational history since the 1980s.

Full inventory in 2024