Armed forces (Bahrain), Armed forces

Assessment
Since February 2011 political unrest has rattled Bahrain. With increase anti-government protest transforming into riots and violent government crackdowns taking place across the small country, the situation came to a turning point on 15 March 2011 when King Hamad bin Isa al-Khalifa declared a three month-long martial law.Additionally protests have prompted the leadership to call for assistance from neighbouring Gulf states. So farmore than 1,500 personnel from Kuwait, Saudi Arabia and the United Arab Emirates (UAE) have crossed the causeway into Bahrain to assist their counterparts in securing government buildings and infrastructure in the tiny kingdom. It is unclear whether other GCC states will offer their assistance.The armed forces of Bahrain (Bahraini Defence Forces or BDF) are small, but have benefited from assistance from the US, which has provided cheap surplus equipment. A major naval requirement was met in 1997 when the US supplied Bahrain with an ex-US Navy 'Oliver Hazard Perry' class frigate. It is equipped with the SM1-MR Standard air defence missile and Phalanx short-range defence system as well as Harpoon anti-ship missiles. Anti-submarine warfare assumed a higher priority in view of the delivery of 'Kilo' class conventional submarines to Iran. In the longer term, Bahrain requires a mine counter-measures capability.In other major acquisition moves, Bahrain has built up a fleet of 22 F-16C/D aircraft which, equipped with the AIM-120 AMRAAM missile, will enhance the air force's long-range defensive capabilities. The land forces have acquired the ATACMS tactical missile system. The Block 1 type acquired by Bahrain is

Assessment
In so far as its limited financial resources can allow, Bahrain has been investing in its armed forces to modernise the military and enhance the forces' capabilities to defend the kingdom. There has been a particular focus on improving air defences - Bahrain has built up a fleet of 22 F-16CD aircraft, with AIM-120 AMRAAM capability. Naval capability has also been enhanced with the provision as excess from the US of an FFG-7 'Oliver Hazard Perry' class frigate. With an emphasis on defensive rather than offensive capabilities, Bahrain has also been deploying a Lockheed Martin AN/TPS-59(V)3 ballistic missile defence radar system.

The complete article appears in the following publication:
Publication Title Sentinel Security Assessment - The Gulf States
Publication date Jun 09, 2011
Section Armed forces
Publication synopsis Jane's Sentinel Country Risk Assessments provide you with in-depth, up-to-date and accurate data and analysis on the latest events and trends in political, security and economic affairs. They provide a comprehensive one-stop information source covering 190 states and 30 territories. Jane's worldwide intelligence network of over 120 expert contributors delivers incisive and impartial analysis to help you protect your economic, strategic and political interests.

The new Security file allows prompt and reliable analysis on every country's security, primarily in the areas of terrorism and insurgency

  • state stability
  • international relations
  • organised crime
  • proliferation and procurement
Political files provide overviews of the political system, political actors and parties, cabinet lists, civil society and internal history. External files detail all relevant bilateral and multilateral relations and history. Defence files offer profound analysis of, and information on, all services of a country's military, its size, capabilities, requirements, weaknesses, strengths and orders of battle.
The Gulf State countries
  • Bahrain
  • Iran
  • Iraq
  • Kuwait
  • Oman
  • Qatar
  • Saudi Arabia
  • United Arab Emirates
  • Yemen

You may purchase a full subscription to this service through the Jane’s Online Catalogue.

About Jane’s
With more than 100 years of experience, Jane’s, an IHS company, holds an unrivalled reputation for the reliability, accuracy and impartiality of our information and advice, trusted and relied upon by business, government and military decision-makers worldwide.

In the specialist fields of defence, security, public safety, transport and law enforcement, Jane’s intelligence is a ‘must have’ resource for our clients, who can trust our intelligence over that from any other open source.

Purchase Information

More information about Armed forces (Bahrain) is offered by Jane’s Information Group as part of its Sentinel Security Assessment - The Gulf States subscription service, available in both hardcopy and electronic formats.

Use this form to find out how to subscribe.