Manama: Under the patronage of His Majesty King Hamad bin Isa Al Khalifa, the Supreme Commander of the Armed Forces, the second phase of the Bahrain Shield project at the Royal Bahraini Air Force (RBAF) was inaugurated today. His Majesty deputised Field Marshal Shaikh Khalifa bin Ahmed Al Khalifa, Commander-in-Chief of the Bahrain Defence Force (BDF), to attend the ceremony.
According to Bahrain News Agency, the event was attended by notable figures including Lieutenant-General Shaikh Nasser bin Hamad Al Khalifa, National Security Advisor and Commander of the Royal Guard; Lieutenant-General Abdulla bin Hassan Al Nuaimi, Minister of Defence Affairs; and Major-General Pilot Shaikh Hamad bin Abdulla Al Khalifa, Commander of the RBAF, among others. The inauguration coincided with the 58th anniversary of the BDF's establishment.
The Commander-in-Chief was briefed by the Director of Military Works on the project's implementation phases and its advanced systems and facilities. A commemorative plaque was unveiled to mark the inauguration of this significant phase. Field Marshal Shaikh Khalifa bin Ahmed expressed pride in the BDF's achievements under the King's leadership, highlighting the anniversary as a national milestone reflecting loyalty, dedication, and sacrifice.
He emphasized the BDF's strength and standing, attributing it to the leadership of His Majesty the King and the support of His Royal Highness Prince Salman bin Hamad Al Khalifa, the Crown Prince, Deputy Supreme Commander of the Armed Forces, and Prime Minister. The Commander-in-Chief reiterated that the BDF continues to enhance the Kingdom's security, stability, and prosperity under the King's patronage.
Field Marshal Shaikh Khalifa bin Ahmed spoke of the national responsibility of defending the Kingdom, carried out by dedicated generations. He noted the BDF's readiness, efficiency, and professionalism, in line with its mandate to protect the Kingdom. He also affirmed the BDF's ongoing strategy to develop its human resources and defence systems, guided by the leadership of His Majesty the King and HRH the Crown Prince and Prime Minister.