Second Phase of Bahrain Shield Project Inaugurated at Sakhir Air Base

Under the patronage of His Majesty King Hamad bin Isa Al Khalifa, Supreme Commander of the Armed Forces, the inauguration ceremony of the second phase of the Bahrain Shield Project at the Royal Bahraini Air Force was held this morning at Sakhir Air Base.

His Majesty deputized Field Marshal Shaikh Khalifa bin Ahmed Al Khalifa, Commander-in-Chief of the Bahrain Defence Force (BDF), to attend the ceremony. The event was also attended by National Security Advisor and Royal Guard Commander, His Highness Lt. Gen. Shaikh Nasser bin Hamad Al Khalifa.

Upon arrival, the Commander-in-Chief was received by Defence Affairs Minister Lt. Gen. Abdullah bin Hassan Al Nuaimi; Chief of Staff Lt. Gen. Theyab bin Saqr Al Nuaimi; Shaikh Mohammed bin Khalifa Al Khalifa, Financial and Technical Affairs Advisor at the BDF General Command; Mohammed Bahseen Al Musallam, Head of Special Follow-up Affairs at the Royal Court; Royal Bahraini Air Force Commander Major General Pilot Shaikh Hamad bin Abdullah Al Khalifa; and a number of senior BDF officers.

The ceremony coincided with the 58th anniversary of the establishment of the Bahrain Defence Force. Proceedings began with the national anthem, followed by a recitation from the Holy Quran. An address was then delivered by the Bahrain Shield Project officer, after which the Director of Military Works presented a briefing outlining the project’s implementation phases, including its advanced systems and modern facilities.

Field Marshal Shaikh Khalifa bin Ahmed Al Khalifa unveiled the commemorative plaque to mark the official opening of the project’s second phase. He then toured the various sections of the project, reviewing its advanced systems and equipment.

On the occasion, the Commander-in-Chief expressed pride in the achievements of the Bahrain Defence Force under the visionary leadership of His Majesty the King. He highlighted the significance of the BDF’s 58th anniversary as a proud national milestone embodying the values of loyalty, dedication, and sacrifice.

He noted that the strength and resilience of the Bahrain Defence Force stem from the leadership of its founder and Supreme Commander, His Majesty King Hamad bin Isa Al Khalifa, with 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 emphasized that, under the continued royal patronage, the BDF continues to advance toward greater achievements, reinforcing Bahrain’s security, stability, and prosperity.

He affirmed that defending the Kingdom of Bahrain is a sacred trust and a great responsibility carried forward by loyal generations committed to safeguarding the nation. He praised the high level of professionalism, readiness, and efficiency demonstrated by BDF personnel, underscoring their unwavering dedication and spirit of sacrifice.

He concluded by reaffirming that since its establishment, the Bahrain Defence Force has followed a sound military doctrine and a continuous strategy to develop its human capabilities and combat systems. Under the leadership of His Majesty the King and the follow-up of His Royal Highness the Crown Prince, he said, the BDF will remain the steadfast shield and strong fortress protecting the Kingdom.

The ceremony was attended by a number of senior officers of the Bahrain Defence Force.