HM King Hamad highlights BDF key role in Bahrain development and global reputation

TDT | Manama

Email: mail@newsofbahrain.com

His Majesty King Ham‑ ad bin Isa Al Khalifa, Supreme Commander of the Armed Forces, said the establishment of the Bahrain Defence Force (BDF) marks an important milestone in the Kingdom’s development.

He noted that its achieve‑ ments and strong reputation have earned the trust of citizens and foreign partners.

Speaking on the 58th anni‑ versary of the BDF, HM the King said: “The BDF continues to enhance its standing year after year, not only by defending the Kingdom, but also by supporting development through health‑ care services, housing contri‑ butions, and sporting achieve‑ ments that have gained Bahrain wide recognition.”

He emphasised: “Professional national military service is fun‑ damental to protecting the state and its citizens and supporting development.”

Stability

HM King Hamad added that development cannot continue without stability. Highlighting the BDF’s leg‑ acy of discipline and compe‑ tence, His Majesty expressed full confidence in all members of the BDF, stating: “From HRH the Crown Prince and Prime Minister and the Command‑ er‑in‑Chief to officers, leaders, and trainees, the Force has built a proud history of service and achievement.”

He also underlined the Force’s international standing, saying: “Our partnerships with region‑ al and international allies have been strengthened by the pro‑ fessionalism and readiness of our personnel, reinforcing that peaceful solutions, dialogue, and understanding remain the preferred means of resolving challenges.”

Ceremony

During the anniversary cere‑ mony at the General Command of the BDF, HM the King, ac‑ companied by His Royal High‑ ness Prince Salman bin Hamad Al Khalifa, the Crown Prince, Deputy Supreme Commander of the Armed Forces, and Prime Minister, was received by His Excellency Field Marshal Shai‑ kh Khalifa bin Ahmed Al Khal‑ ifa, Commander‑in‑Chief of the BDF, along with senior military officials.

The national anthem was played, and regimental flags were presented to units mark‑ ing their incorporation into the Force.

In response, H.E. Field Mar‑ shal Shaikh Khalifa bin Ahmed expressed profound pride and gratitude, describing HM the King’s message as “a great hon‑ our and a source of motivation for the Bahrain Defence Force’s continued dedication to serving the Kingdom.”

Leadership

He highlighted the role of leadership in guiding the BDF, saying: “The growth and devel‑ opment of the BDF into a highly advanced defence institution would not have been possible without His Majesty’s visionary leadership and steadfast sup‑ port.”

The anniversary celebration also highlighted the BDF’s con‑ tributions beyond security.

HM King Hamad praised the BDF’s involvement in organising and participating in internation‑ al exhibitions and the Bahrain International Airshow, which began at the Sakhir Air Base es‑ tablished by the BDF.

Determination

He concluded by commending the people of Bahrain for their determination and offering best wishes for continued success.

On this occasion, HRH the Crown Prince and Prime Min‑ ister presented commemorative gifts to HM the King, while the Commander‑in‑Chief of the BDF presented a gift to His Royal Highness.