Bahrain first country in the world to receive F-16 Block 70 aircraft 

Manama, Mar. 12 (BNA): The Kingdom of Bahrain, represented by the Royal Bahraini Air Force of the Bahrain Defense Force, received its first F-16 Block 70 combat aircraft, which is one of the latest combat aircraft produced by the global security and aerospace company, Lockheed Martin.

The Kingdom has officially become the first country in the region and the world to have acquired such advanced and equipped combat aircraft, which will join other RBAF jets.

This step embodies the wise visions and wise directives of His Majesty King Hamad bin Isa Al Khalifa, Supreme Commander of the Armed Forces, within the framework of the continuous modernization and development of the Bahrain Defense Force, and the permanent and continuous support of His Royal Highness Prince Salman bin Salman bin Abdulaziz Al Saud. Hamad Al Khalifa, Crown Prince, Deputy Supreme Commander of the Armed Forces and Prime Minister.

On this occasion, the Commander-in-Chief of the Bahrain Defense Force, Field Marshal Sheikh Khalifa bin Ahmed Al Khalifa, affirmed that thanks to the wise visions and directives of His Majesty the King, the Supreme Commander of the Armed Forces, and the constant care of His Royal Highness, the Crown Prince. Prince, Deputy Supreme Commander of the Armed Forces and Prime Minister, the British Royal Air Force has become one of the main pillars of the nation’s strength, as all its squadrons and systems have achieved progress, development and integration at various levels, adding that all Royal Air Forces are efficient. Experienced pilots, engineers, technicians and trainers, who have achieved the highest levels of professionalism in various air operations, and presented the best models of sincerity and sacrifice to defend the homeland and protect its civilizational gains and achievements.

He added that thanks to continuous development, the British Royal Air Force now has an integrated and advanced military system in accordance with the latest strategies.

The commander of the Bahrain Defense Force indicated that the Royal Bahraini Air Force today includes the most advanced combat aircraft, modern air transport aircraft and advanced helicopters, indicating that the introduction of the F-16 Block 70 aircraft, which is distinguished by its advanced security and combat capabilities, is an important qualitative addition to the RBAF.

He added that the F-16 Block 70 is required in the arsenal of the world’s air forces due to the current circumstances that require modern air armament to meet the challenges of the current century.

RAF Commander-in-Chief, Air Vice-Marshal Shaikh Hamad bin Abdullah Al Khalifa, and his accompanying delegation attended the F-16 Block 70 handover ceremony at Lockheed Martin’s plant in Greenville, South Carolina, on Friday 10 March.

The defense attache at the Bahraini Embassy in Washington, Brigadier General Jassim Abdullah Al-Jowdar, and a number of senior officers of the Bahrain Defense Force also attended.

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