Bahrain King Inaugurates AH1-Z Cobra Attack Helicopters
His Majesty King Hamad bin Isa Al Khalifa, the Supreme Commander, yesterday inaugurated the AH1-Z Cobra, the newly introduced attack helicopters into the Bahrain Defence Force (BDF) as part of the Bahrain Shield project.
The inauguration, coinciding with the occasion of the 56th anniversary of the BDF, was attended by His Royal Highness Prince Salman bin Hamad Al Khalifa, the Crown Prince, Deputy Supreme Commander of the Armed Forces, and Prime Minister.
His Majesty the King was received at the venue of the event by Field Marshal Shaikh Khalifa bin Ahmed Al Khalifa, the Commander-in-Chief of the BDF. His Majesty was accompanied by Lieutenant-General His Highness Shaikh Nasser bin Hamad Al Khalifa, National Security Advisor and Royal Guard Commander; and Colonel His Highness Shaikh Khalid bin Hamad Al Khalifa, Commander of the Royal Guard’s Special Force.
HM the King was presented with a memento from HRH Prince Salman. The BDF Commander-in-Chief also presented mementos to HM the King and HRH Prince Salman. His Majesty congratulated all officers and personnel of the BDF and citizens on the occasion of the 56th anniversary of the BDF.
He expressed appreciation for the dedicated efforts of BDF affiliates to safeguard the kingdom, safety of citizens and national unity. HM the King said that they will always be a source of pride, and that the establishment of the force will remain as a memorable moment in the progress of the kingdom.
HM King Hamad thanked HRH Prince Salman for the follow-up and support of the development of the armed forces. His Majesty also thanked the BDF Commander-in-Chief for his distinguished efforts in leading the force.
He recounted the role of founding officers, expressing appreciation for their valuable contributions. His Majesty hailed the significant progress made by the BDF in developing its capabilities, as well as in making landmark contributions in a number of areas, including health, housing, sports, humanitarian and relief aid efforts and organising key events, including the Bahrain International Air Show.
HM the King also commended the people of Bahrain for their constant keenness on serving its country and contributing to its prosperity with their will and determination to achieve success.
Air Vice-Marshal Shaikh Hamad bin Abdulla Al Khalifa, Commander of the Royal Bahraini Air Force (RBAF), delivered a speech in which he congratulated His Majesty King Hamad bin Isa Al Khalifa, the Supreme Commander, on the 56th anniversary of the BDF and hailed the efforts of His Majesty in leading the ongoing development of the force.
The RBAF Commander also congratulated His Majesty on inaugurating “Bahrain Shield”, expressing his appreciation for His Majesty’s support which ensured the project’s successful completion.
Shaikh Hamad bin Abdulla said that the project, which was signed off in 2018 by His Royal Highness Prince Salman bin Hamad Al Khalifa, the Crown Prince, Deputy Supreme Commander of the Armed Forces, and Prime Minister, was fully ready to operate in various circumstances and all-weather conditions, noting that it was an addition to the combat readiness of the force in effectively handling different challenges.
Air Vice Marshal Shaikh Hamad added that RBAF was the first to operate AH1-Z Cobra, which is one of the most advanced in the world, outside the US. He concluded his remarks by thanking His Majesty HRH Prince Salman for their support, directives and follow up which have significantly driven the successful development of the air force.
