Manama, Dec. 14 (BNA): The annual report of the force said that the Bahrain Defense Force continues to implement its strategies to enhance its capabilities in protecting the homeland.
Under the leadership of His Majesty King Hamad bin Isa Al Khalifa, the Supreme Commander and with the support of His Royal Highness Prince Salman bin Hamad Al Khalifa, Crown Prince, Deputy Supreme Commander of the Armed Forces and Prime Minister, and follow-up from the Bahrain Defense Force, Commander-in-Chief of the Armed Forces, Field Marshal Sheikh Khalifa bin Ahmed Al Khalifa. BDF achieved new achievements in 2022 in multiple disciplines.
All efforts of the Bahrain Defense Force aim to serve its role in defending the borders and preserving the security, independence and sovereignty of the Kingdom of Bahrain against any external threat.
During the year 2022, His Majesty the King made several visits to the General Command of the Bahrain Defense Force and other battalions in the Bahrain Defense Force. During those visits, His Majesty the King followed up on the implementation of the strategies of the Bahrain Defense Force and thanked all the military, civil, medical and administrative cadres for their efforts and dedication.
At the level of international cooperation, Bahrain led the CTF152 Multinational Joint Task Force for the third time in the force’s history. His Majesty the King, the Supreme Commander, fully supports efforts to protect territorial waters from terrorism and piracy, and to secure the safe flow of fuel to the world.
His Majesty the King visited the Royal Air Force, where it launched the new and advanced combat aircraft.
His Majesty the King inaugurated, during a visit to the Royal Bahraini Navy, the advanced battleships and the Al Ghurairiya, Sakhir, Al Farooq, Janan and Al Damsa naval vessels.
His Highness the Crown Prince, Deputy Supreme Commander of the Armed Forces, Prime Minister and Commander-in-Chief of the Bahrain Defense Force also paid visits to the General Command to follow up on the progress of operations.
The new headquarters of the National Guard was inaugurated by His Majesty the King, on the occasion of the 54th anniversary of the establishment of the Bahrain Defense Force on February 5.
His Majesty the King and President of the United Arab Emirates, His Highness Sheikh Mohammed bin Zayed Al Nahyan, attended the joint Bahraini-Emirati counter-terrorism exercise “Galmud 3” in November. The exercise included members of the army, the Ministry of Interior and intelligence in both countries.
Also in November, His Majesty the King commissioned His Highness the Crown Prince, Deputy Supreme Commander of the Armed Forces and Prime Minister to inaugurate the Bahrain International Airshow (BIAS) in its tenth edition. BIAS is an important addition to Bahrain’s international events calendar, and a major contributor to strengthening its position as an exhibition destination.
BDF invests in its human capital as a valuable asset. On the occasion of the 54th anniversary of the Bahrain Defense Force, 553 officers of the Bahrain Defense Force were promoted in their ranks by royal order. The Commander-in-Chief of the Bahrain Defense Force promoted 4,430 individuals and civilians in their ranks and grades.
Training and career development is also a priority for the Bahrain Defense Force. This year, the 14th cohort of the Joint Command and Staff graduated from the Royal Command and Staff and the National Defense College. Bahrain Defense Force officers also completed judicial training for the GCC countries for members of military courts and an advanced training course for officers in the GCC countries. Command and combat training was also held internally as well as in cooperation with local and international partners.
The Bahrain Defense Force has upgraded its medical services department over the years and has been pivotal in the efforts to deal with the COVID-19 pandemic.
This year, more medical laboratories and a daily case clinic were added to the Royal Medical Services.
In sports, the BDF Athletic Team returned with gold and silver from Peru at the 52nd World Military Marathon Championships in May. Bahrain ranked first in the men’s individual and team marathon races, and first and second, respectively, in the women’s individual and team marathon.
In December 2021, Second Lieutenant Abdullah Al-Sayed Attia entered the Guinness World Record for the fastest marathon in full military uniform, after participating in the ADNOC Abu Dhabi Marathon and finishing in three hours, 40 minutes and seven seconds. The previous record holder was Andy McMahon of the United Kingdom in 2009, who completed the Lochaber Marathon in three hours, 49 minutes, and 21 seconds.
The Equestrian Military Showjumping Team took first place in the 22nd World Military Showjumping Championships held in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil in January.