Armée Bahraini / Bahrain Defence Force (BDF)

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Lockheed-Martin F-16C Fighting Falcon Block 40


Lockheed-Martin F-16D Fighting Falcon Block 40


BAe Hawk Mk127


Slingsby T67M-200 Firefly


Bell AH-1E Cobra


Agusta-Bell AB-212


Sikorsky S-70 Blackhawk

Northop F-5

F-16C Blk40


Hawk Mk129


UH60M

Citation :

Rosoboronexport has signed large contracts with a number of Middle East and North African countries. Rosoboronexport will supply Kornet-EM antitank missiles to Bahrain while Namibia is buying small arms, Kornet-E systems, Isaikin said.

"The largest contracts have been signed with countries of the Middle East and North Africa. They envision the supplies of practically all kinds of weapons and military equipment," Isaikin said, adding that the contracts with Bahrein and Namibia were a benchmark.

According to the Rosoboronexport executive, Bahrain has become the first buyer of Kornet-EM systems, while the contract with Namibia is the first weapons supply contract with that country in the past 15 years. It envisions supplies of smalls arms, armaments for special units, mortars, Kornet-E antitank systems, vehicles, ammunition and simulators.

http://en.itar-tass.com/russia/744555

J'adore ce type de matos , ce monstre de Kornet plus la mobilité , résultat garanti .

Citation :

Bahrain orders latest Kornet ATGW

Bahrain will be the first user of the Kornet-EM anti-tank guided weapon (ATGW) system, the ITAR-TASS news agency cited Anatoly Isaykin, the director general of the Russian arms export agency Rosoboronexport, as saying on 12 August.

The Kornet-EM is a vehicle-mounted system with two retractable launchers, each with four laser-guided, fire-and-forget missiles and its own optronic and guidance package. This means the system can simultaneously engage two targets.

The promoters of the system say this also means the system can destroy a vehicle fitted with an active protection system by firing two missiles at it. They claim its accuracy is five times better than that of earlier Kornet versions due to the use of an automatic target tracker.

The range is also significantly longer than earlier versions: 10 km when firing a missile with a thermobaric warhead and 8 km when firing one with tandem high-explosive anti-tank warheads.

Isaykin said Bahrain's Kornet-EM order was one of "a number of major arms contracts with the Middle East and North Africa … they include supplies of virtually all types of weapons and military equipment".

He added that Namibia had ordered Kornet-E ATGW systems as part of a package that included vehicles, mortars, munitions, simulators, personal weapons, and equipment for special units.

http://www.janes.com/article/41871/bahrain-orders-latest-kornet-atgw?from_rss=1&utm_medium=twitter&utm_source=twitterfeed

AH1F

Citation :

New Bahrain F-16 Paint Scheme
The Royal Bahraini Air Force adopted a new paint scheme this year for their F-16s. The scheme incorporates a low-vis Falcon on the tail as well as more subdued rondel and flag symbols.

Citation :

Bahraini air force details modernisation plans

Gareth Jennings, London - IHS Jane's Defence Weekly


The Royal Bahraini Air Force is currently in negotiations with Turkish Aerospace Industries (TAI) for the T129 ATAK combat helicopter.
Once in service, the T129 will augment the service's upgraded Cobras. Source: TAI  

The Royal Bahraini Air Force (RBAF) is to embark on a comprehensive modernisation plan to enhance the capabilities of both its fixed- and rotary-winged combat fleets, a senior officer disclosed on 22 January.

Speaking at the IQPC International Military Helicopter conference in London, Colonel Salah Al Mansoor, Head of Planning, HQ, RBAF, said that the service is about to undertake a two-phased recapitalisation programme that will see some of its current inventory first upgraded, with new platform acquisitions to follow after.

"We are a very new air force," said Col Al Mansoor. "In 1985 we got our [Northrop] F-5s, and in 1990 our [Lockheed Martin] F-16s and we need to upgrade our fleets."

According to the colonel, Phase 1, which is currently under way, will first see the RBAF upgrade its fleet of Bell AH-1 Cobra attack helicopters. "For the Cobra upgrade we are looking to integrate new and modern weapons systems to improve the combat effectiveness and to enhance coalition interoperability. We also want to improve the [crew's] situational awareness," he said.

The fixed-wing portion of the Phase 1 upgrade involves upgrading the air force's F-16C/D platforms. "For the F-16s, we are looking to integrate the new generation of smart guided-weapons, new systems, advanced avionics and displays, new sensors, datalinks, and a new active electronically scanned array [AESA] radar to be fitted now that Boeing has offered us its Advanced Mission Computer capability. Raytheon and Northrop Grumman are offering their [Raytheon Advanced Combat Radar (RACR) and Scalable Agile Beam Radar (SABR)] systems, but we have not finalised our choice yet," the colonel explained. This F-16 modernisation effort will begin in 2016 and run through to 2019.

With the F-16s set to be modernised, Col Al Mansoor noted that the RBAF will also look at improving its BAE Systems Hawk jet trainer aircraft to better prepare pilots for the advanced capabilities of the upgraded F-16s.

Phase 2, the colonel said, will see the air force acquire a new attack helicopter type, as well as a new 'generation 4+' combat aircraft. In terms of the rotary-winged portion of this phase, Col Al Mansoor said that the RBAF has now entered into negotiations with Turkish Aerospace Industries (TAI) for T129 ATAK combat helicopters. These, he noted, would augment the upgraded Cobras and replace the Eurocopter BO-105 Bolkow platforms that were first delivered in 1978.

The fixed-wing portion of Phase 2 will see the RBAF look to acquire a new fighter aircraft type "beyond 2025", to augment the upgraded F-16s and replace the F-5s.

ANALYSIS

While the RBAF was known to be looking at modernising its capabilities, Col Al Mansoor's comments provide the first official detail of these plans.

In early 2014 IHS Jane's reported that Bahrain was looking at a number of attack helicopter options, including the T129 and Bell AH-1Z Viper, and that other platforms such as the Airbus Tiger, Boeing AH-64E Apache, and Denel Rooivalk, Mil Mi-35 'Hind', Mi-28 'Havoc', and/or Kamov Ka-50/52 'Hokum' might also be offered. The colonel's comments are doubly surprising as they indicate that the air force has already made its selection (not something that has previously been known), and that the T129 will not actually replace the Cobra as had been thought.

In terms of the fixed-wing modernisation plans, while Col Al Mansoor did not name candidate platforms for the 'generation 4+' type that the air force is seeking beyond 2025, a number of manufacturers have declared an interest. In August 2013, government and industry officials confirmed that Bahrain and the United Kingdom were in preliminary talks over a potential sale of the Eurofighter Typhoon to the Middle Eastern nation. While no further announcements relating to this have been made, at this stage it would appear that the Typhoon is the frontrunner for this particular requirement.


http://www.janes.com/article/48238/bahraini-air-force-details-modernisation-plans

DSI/HS 40

Otokar Arma 6x6

inauguration de la nouvelle base navale alhad

Les produits Turcs sont très efficace contre les manifestants.

FULL HD

Citation :

Photo of Otokar Arma 6×6 armored personnel carrier of Bahrain armed forces By Dylan Vosman - Aug 29, 2015


Photo of Otokar Arma 6×6 armored personnel carrier of Bahrain armed forces in Yemen The Bahrain Armed Forces are now equipped with the ARMA 6×6 APC (Armoured Personnel Carrier) designed and manufactured by the Turkish Defence Company Otokar. The Arma 6×6 was presented for the first time to the public during the defense exhibition of Paris, Eurosatory in 2010. The ARMA is a new product family within the Otokar’s the tactical wheeled armoured vehicle range with modular multi-wheel configuration. ARMA vehicle platform with superior tactical and technical features will be an outstanding and cost effective product among competitive products. Thanks to the high level of ballistic and mine protection as well as, the outstanding design allowing the integration of various types of weapon stations and mission equipment, ARMA will be an adaptable platform for evolving mission needs in a modern battlefield. The Arma 6×6 is motorised with a 450 hp water-cooled turbo diesel capable of running on F-34 or F-54 fuel drives the wheels through an automatic gearbox and single-speed transfer box, giving it a top speed of 105 km/h and a power/weight ratio of 24.3 hp/tonne. This also powers the onboard 24 V DC electrical system, which incorporates two maintenance-free 125 Ah batteries and a 3.3 kW converter. Arma’s front two axles are steerable enabling it to make a turning radius of 7.85 m and the vehicle rides on independent hydropneumatic suspension, offering respectable off-road mobility and comfort. It can negotiate 45-degree approach and departure angles leading onto 60 per cent inclines and 30 per cent side-slopes. It can also cross 1.2 m-wide trenches and climb over 60 cm obstacles.






Read more at: http://defence-blog.com/army/photo-of-otokar-arma-6x6-armored-personnel-carrier-of-bahrain-armed-forces.html

Citation :

Perte de 60 soldats
La coalition arabe intensifie ses raids au Yémen
6 septembre 2015 - AFP-LE MATIN 6 septembre 2015 - 07h03


Ce sont les Emirats arabes unis qui ont payé le plus lourd tribut avec 45 morts, suivis de l'Arabie Saoudite (10) puis de Bahreïn (5), dans cette attaque menée par les rebelles qui, selon une source militaire et un ministre émirati, ont tiré un missile sol-sol contre une base de la coalition à Safer dans la province de Marib, à l'est de Sanaa.

Les Emirats, l'un des principaux piliers de la coalition, ont décrété trois jours de deuil et les drapeaux ont été mis en berne après ce «Vendredi noir» qui apparaît comme le coup le plus meurtrier porté à leur armée depuis l'indépendance en 1971.

Pour l'Arabie Saoudite, il s'agit des premières victimes parmi ses forces en territoire yéménite depuis qu'elle a pris fin mars la tête de la coalition arabe pour mener des frappes contre les rebelles chiites soutenus par l'Iran et les empêcher de prendre le contrôle du pays.

En représailles, les avions émiratis et saoudiens ont intensifié samedi leurs raids contre les positions des rebelles Houthis et de leurs alliés -des unités de l'armée restées fidèles à l'ex-président Ali Abdallah Saleh.

Ils ont attaqué le QG des forces spéciales à Sanaa et des dépôts d'armes sur deux collines surplombant la capitale contrôlée par les rebelles, provoquant des explosions, selon des témoins.

Raids les plus violents

Des colonnes de fumée se sont élevées des sites bombardés, alors que les habitants, pris de panique, se sont terrés chez eux. «Ce sont les raids les plus violents à Sanaa» depuis le début de la campagne aérienne arabe le 26 mars, selon un responsable local.

Les avions ont également visé des positions à Bayhan, au sud de Marib, tuant douze rebelles, a indiqué un officier loyaliste. C'est de Bayhan qu'a été tiré le missile contre la base de la coalition, selon un responsable provincial et l'officier.

La coalition arabe est intervenue au Yémen pour soutenir le pouvoir du président Abd Rabbo Mansour Hadi, poussé à l'exil en Arabie Saoudite voisine par la progression des Houthis qui se sont emparés de vastes régions à la faveur d'une offensive lancée en juillet 2014.

- See more at: http://www.lematin.ma/express/2015/perte-de-60-soldats_la-coalition-arabe-intensifie-ses-raids-au-yemen/230766.html#sthash.twh9X4kx.dpuf

RIP

Citation :

Bahrain naval vessels set for upgrade

Nicholas de Larrinaga, London - IHS Jane's Navy International
08 September 2015


he Royal Bahrain Naval Force has contracted Selex ES to upgrade six of its ships, the company announced on 8 September.

Selex ES said the upgrade work is worth more than EUR50 million (USD56 million) and will be completed within five years. The value of the contract also includes training services and logistics.

But the company disclosed neither the vessels to be upgraded nor the upgrade package they will receive.

ANALYSIS
The Royal Bahrain Naval Force is small and mainly comprised of patrol craft, while the value of the contract indicates the package is for vessels of some size. This could point to the contract being for an upgrade of the service's two Al Manama-class (MGB 62 Type) corvettes and four Ahmad Al Fateh-class (TNC 45 Type) fast attack craft.

Citation :

LM GMLRS for the US Army, Bahrain and the UAE
Lockheed Martin (NYSE: LMT) received a $227 million contract from the U.S. Army for Lot 10 production of the Guided Multiple Launch Rocket System (GMLRS), and the the first order of GMLRS Alternative Warhead production.


Published: Friday, 18 September 2015 16:12


Defence & Security News - (Lockheed Martin)



LM GMLRS for the US Army, Bahrain and the UAE
Lockheed Martin (NYSE: LMT) received a $227 million contract from the U.S. Army for Lot 10 production of the Guided Multiple Launch Rocket System (GMLRS), and the the first order of GMLRS Alternative Warhead production.

LM GMLRS for the US Army Bahrain and the UAE
HIMARS (Source: Lockheed Martin)

“GMLRS is a combat proven precision-strike system,” said Ken Musculus, vice president of Tactical Missiles for Lockheed Martin Missiles and Fire Control. “We are confident that the new GMLRS Alternative Warhead will also provide reliable, highly accurate capability for our domestic and international customers.”

Included in the contract is a U.S. government Foreign Military Sale of GMLRS Unitary rockets to Bahrain and the United Arab Emirates.

GMLRS is an all-weather rocket designed for fast deployment that delivers precision strike beyond the reach of most conventional weapons. GMLRS Unitary rockets greatly exceed the required combat reliability rate and have established a reputation for affordability.

The Alternative Warhead is designed to engage the same target set and achieve the same area-effects requirement as the old MLRS submunition warheads, but without the lingering danger of unexploded ordnance. MLRS rockets with submunition warheads ended production approximately seven years ago.

In combat operations, each GMLRS rocket is packaged in an MLRS launch pod and is fired from the Lockheed Martin HIMARS orM270 family of launchers. GMLRS customers include the U.S., France, Germany, Italy, U.K., Japan, Jordan, Singapore, Bahrain and the UAE.

Production on the contract will be carried out at Lockheed Martin’s award-winning facility in Camden, Arkansas. Lockheed Martin has produced more than 25,000 GMLRS rockets at Camden, which has received more than 60 awards over the last decade, including the 2012 Malcolm Baldrige National Quality Award and the Shingo Silver Medallion Award for Operation Excellence.


http://www.armyrecognition.com/september_2015_global_defense_security_news_uk/lm_gmlrs_for_the_us_army_bahrain_and_the_uae_41809155.html

Citation :

Bahrain rejects report on buying Israeli air-defence system

Bahrain’s Minister of Information Affairs and Minister of Representatives’ and Shura Council Affairs, Mr. Isa Abdulrahman Al Hammadi, has rejected the recent reports according to which the country would be one of the buyers of the Israeli-made Iron Dome air and missile defence system.




Based on the Sky News and the Fox News reports, which quoted a Bahraini Ministry of Foreign Affairs statement, the Gulf Cooperation Council countries, including Bahrain, were considering the procurement of an Israeli-made air-defence system to counter the Iranian threat. According to the same sources, the US Government was allegedly promoting the project.

However, Mr. Al Hammadi informed the Bahraini daily newspaper “Al Wasat”, that the country’s Ministry of Foreing Affairs has contacted Fox News and demanded a correction of the statement. According to the Minister of Information, “the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) states are looking into buying an anti-missile defense system from the United States, and there are no attempts whatsoever to purchase the system from Israel as claimed by the television channel”.


http://www.armyrecognition.com/october_2015_global_defense_security_news_uk/bahrain_rejects_report_on_buying_israeli_air-defence_system_42010151.html

Citation :

Bahrain shows interest to purchase Russian Pantsir-S1 short-range air defense system.

Russia and Bahrain may sign an intergovernmental agreement on military cooperation in 2016, Russian Ambassador to Bahrain Vagif Garayev said on Wednesday, October 28, 2015.



"Both parties have almost agreed the text of the document," he said.

The document, which both countries are preparing, should lay the basis for intergovernmental security cooperation. In particular, the document focuses on such issues as the training of peacekeeping forces and military personnel, visits of official military delegations and the joint struggle against global terrorism.

The agreement is expected to be signed as early as 2016.

It was reported earlier that Russia and Bahrain had signed an intergovernmental agreement on military and technical cooperation.

In 2014, Bahrain became the first foreign state to purchase the Russian-made anti-tank missile system Kornet-EM. Bahrain also showed interest in purchasing the Russian-made antiaircraft missile-gun system Pantsir-S1.

The Pantsir-S1 (SA-22 Greyhound NATO code name) is an air defense missile-gun system designed to protect vital small-size and big military areas, industrial targets and land forces units and reinforced the air defense units responsible for the protection of troops and military installations against precision-guided air attack from low and extreme low altitudes.

The armament of Pantsir-S1 consists of twelve 57E6 surface-to-air guided missiles and two 2A38M30-millimetre automatic guns developed from the two-barreled 30mm GSh-30 gun.



http://www.armyrecognition.com/october_2015_global_defense_security_news_uk/bahrain_shows_interest_to_purchase_russian_pantsir-s1_short-range_air_defense_system_12810154.html

Citation :

Un F-16 bahreïni s’est écrasé en Arabie Saoudite, près de la frontière avec le Yémen


Posté dans Forces aériennes, Moyen-Orient par Laurent Lagneau Le 30-12-2015



Un chasseur-bombardier F-16 de la Royal Bahraini Air Force s’est écrasé, ce 30 décembre, dans la province de Jazan (sud-ouest de l’Arabie Saoudite), près de la frontière avec le Yémen, où une coalition arabe emmenée par Riyad est aux prises avec les rebelles chiites Houthis, soutenus par l’Iran et alliés aux partisans de l’ex-président yéménite Ali Abdallah Saleh.

Selon un communiqué de cette coalition, l’appareil a été victime d’un « problème technique ». Son pilote a été retrouvé sain et sauf.

L’état-major des forces bahreïnies a confirmé ces informations, en précisant que le F-16 en question remplissait « une obligation nationale dans la défense des frontières méridionales » de l’Arabie Saoudite et qu’un enquête avait été ouverte.

Il s’agit du deuxième avion de combat perdu par la coalition au cours de son opération « Restaurer l’espoir », laquelle a succédé, en avril, à celle appelée « Tempête décisive ».

En mai, un F-16 marocain s’était en effet écrasé au Yémen dans des circonstances qui n’ont pas encore totalement été élucidées. Les rebelles Houthis affirmèrent avoir abattu l’appareil tandis que la coalition assura qu’il avait été victime d’un problème technique ou d’une erreur de pilotage.

Cela étant, la perte du F-16 de la Royal Bahraini Air Force est survenue après l’annonce du décès de 3 militaires bahreïnis (2 capitaines et 1 sergent) lors d’un « incident à la frontière sud de l’Arabie Saoudite ». Aucune autre précision n’a été donnée. Au total, Bahreïn déplore de 8 de ses soldats depuis le début de l’intervention de la coalition arabe au Yémen.

La Royal Bahraini Air Force dispose d’une petite vingtaine d’avions F-16C/D Block 40 (dont 4 destinés à l’entraînement) qui seront prochainement modernisés ainsi que de 8 F-5E de conception ancienne. Il est question pour Manama d’acquérir des Eurofighter Typhoon.


http://www.opex360.com/2015/12/30/f-16-bahreini-sest-ecrase-en-arabie-saoudite-pres-de-la-frontiere-avec-le-yemen/

Bahrain considering F-16V order, fleet upgrade

Citation :

Bahrain is nearing a decision on whether to launch a major programme to modernise its Lockheed Martin F-16s and acquire an additional batch in an advanced V-model configuration.

Facing increased operational demand due to its involvement in the coalition campaign against Islamic State militants in the Middle East, the Royal Bahraini Air Force is looking to boost capabilities, says Rick Groesch, regional vice-president, Middle East for Lockheed Martin Aeronautics.

“They are thinking about upgrading their airplanes – we have been in discussion for a while,” Groesch told Flightglobal during the Bahrain International Airshow.

26 JANUARY, 2016 BY: CRAIG HOYLE BAHRAIN
Bahrain is nearing a decision on whether to launch a major programme to modernise its Lockheed Martin F-16s and acquire an additional batch in an advanced V-model configuration.

Facing increased operational demand due to its involvement in the coalition campaign against Islamic State militants in the Middle East, the Royal Bahraini Air Force is looking to boost capabilities, says Rick Groesch, regional vice-president, Middle East for Lockheed Martin Aeronautics.

“They are thinking about upgrading their airplanes – we have been in discussion for a while,” Groesch told Flightglobal during the Bahrain International Airshow.

Asset Image
Craig Hoyle/Flightglobal

Modernising Bahrain’s in-service fleet to the F-16V standard would include the integration of an active electronically scanned array sensor, already identified as Northrop Grumman’s scalable agile beam radar. With the US government, the progamme would also add precision-guided weapons, such as from Boeing’s joint direct attack munition series, and Lockheed’s Sniper targeting pod.

In parallel with the upgrade, the service could also acquire “17 or 18” new-build F-16Vs, Groesch says. These would differ through the installation of conformal fuel tanks, which he notes would enable the assets to operate with more weapons beneath the wing, in place of 370gal fuel tanks.

Confirming Bahrain has asked for pricing, availability and schedule data about a potential deal via the Foreign Military Sales framework, Groesch says: “In early February we will start to discuss the request with the US government. Bahrain has seen the need to get this going, due to the operational tempo now.”

Groesch says the lead aircraft involved in an upgrade would undergo modification and flight test in Bahrain with Lockheed, and subsequent examples would receive the enhancements with the assistance of the nation's air force.

Flightglobal’s Fleets Analyzer database records the Royal Bahraini Air Force’s inventory as including 16 F-16Cs and four D-model trainers, after a single-seat example was destroyed in a non-fatal accident in Saudi Arabia.

If concluded, the deal with Bahrain would enable Lockheed to extend production of the F-16 beyond 2017.

“We’re talking to several other customers at the moment,” about possible upgrades or purchases says Groesch, who identifies Jordan as having a near-term requirement to modernise its inventory.

Two years ago, details emerged of a possible deal to supply the United Arab Emirates with additional F-16s in an upgraded Block 60 configuration, along with a modernisation activity for its current examples. A deal has yet to be signed, but Groesch confirms: “We’re still talking to them about that.”

Separately, Bahrain has yet to confirm an intention to replace its remaining 12 Northrop F-5E/Fs. With the Eurofighter Typhoon considered a leading contender for such a requirement, campaign lead BAE Systems exhibited a full-scale replica and had a simulator on show at the 21-23 January event, staged at Sakhir air base.

https://www.flightglobal.com/news/articles/bahrain-considering-f-16v-order-fleet-upgrade-421250/

Bell mounts AH-1Z sales offensive in Bahrain

Citation :

Bell Helicopter used the Bahrain International Airshow to promote the capabilities of its AH-1Z to the nation’s military, which already operates the manufacturer’s legacy Cobra attack rotorcraft.


The Royal Bahraini Air Force has a long-held requirement to replace its aged fleet of 30 AH-1s (below), and late last year formally requested information on the availability of the Z-model “Viper”.

“An LoR [letter of request] for LoA [letter of acceptance] was submitted last October,” confirms Bell’s military business development manager Scott Clifton. While this marks a relatively early stage in any potential procurement sought through Washington’s Foreign Military Sales mechanism, he adds: “Everything from the US government so far is positive.”

Bell – which produces the AH-1Z and 85%-common UH-1Y utility helicopter for the US Marine Corps – has so far secured one international customer for the former. Pakistan early last year concluded a roughly $950 million deal to buy 15 examples for its army.

Referring to the sales opportunity in Bahrain, Clifton notes: “They are familiar with Bell products, and we would create an entire system to ensure customer success on day one.” This would include personnel training, in-service support and spare parts. Beyond its status as a Cobra user, the nation’s air force would also benefit from fielding an attack helicopter optimised for use in a saltwater environment, he adds.

“There is another Gulf state that is interested – and their interest helps Bahrain,” Clifton says, without identifying the nation in question. Existing operators of the legacy AH-1 in the region include Jordan.

Clifton describes the AH-1Z as the leading candidate to meet Bahrain’s needs, but tells Flightglobal: “They have their options open.” The nation has also shown interest in the Turkish Aerospace Industries-developed T129, which appeared at the same show in 2014.

Neither of the candidates was brought to the 21-23 January event – staged at Sakhir air base near Manama – but Bell’s exhibit included a simulator for the combat-proven type.


Flightglobal’s Fleets Analyzer database records Bahrain as having 22 AH-1E/Fs, plus eight P-model examples assigned to a training role. It is unclear how many replacement aircraft it is likely to seek.

https://www.flightglobal.com/news/articles/bell-mounts-ah-1z-sales-offensive-in-bahrain-421240/