Joining The Bahrain Air Force: Requirements And Steps

The Royal Bahraini Air Force (RBAF) is the aerial warfare branch of the Bahrain Defence Force (BDF). The RBAF was formed in 1976 as the BDF Air Wing and became an independent service branch in 1987. The air force has been involved in several military operations, including the Gulf War and the Saudi-led intervention in the Yemeni civil war. The RBAF has a range of aircraft in its fleet, including fighter jets and helicopters, and has a personnel strength of about 1,500 individuals. However, the process of joining the RBAF is not explicitly outlined in publicly available sources.

Joining requirements

To join the Royal Bahraini Air Force (RBAF), you must meet certain requirements. Here are the key factors to consider:

Nationality and Background

Firstly, it is important to note that the RBAF is the aerial warfare branch of the Bahrain Defence Force (BDF), which is the military force of the Kingdom of Bahrain. Therefore, citizenship or permanent residency in Bahrain is likely a requirement to join the RBAF. Additionally, factors such as your educational background, work experience, and any relevant skills will be considered.

Age and Fitness

Age requirements vary depending on the position you are applying for. For example, the minimum age to join as an enlisted Airman in some air forces is 17 years old with parental consent or 18 years old without, while the maximum age can be up to 39 years old. You must also meet the height and weight standards, as well as pass a physical fitness assessment.

Medical and Character Assessment

You will need to undergo a comprehensive medical examination to ensure you meet the health and fitness standards required for military service. This includes vision and hearing tests, as well as assessments of any pre-existing medical conditions. A character assessment may also be conducted to evaluate your suitability for military service, including your mental health and any criminal history.

Education and Qualifications

The RBAF values education and specific qualifications may be required depending on the role you are applying for. For example, certain technical or specialist positions may require a college degree or equivalent in a relevant field. Additionally, knowledge of the Arabic language may be advantageous, as it is the official language of Bahrain.

Recruitment Process

The recruitment process for the RBAF typically involves several stages, including an initial application, written exams, interviews, medical examinations, and fitness tests. You may also be required to attend an assessment centre where your skills, aptitude, and suitability for the role will be evaluated further.

It is important to note that the specific joining requirements for the RBAF may change over time and can be tailored to the needs of the service. Therefore, it is always advisable to refer to the official RBAF recruitment channels and consult with their career advisors for the most up-to-date and accurate information.

Training

In addition, a number of Bahraini officers are sent to the United States for further training each year. This can include training at the U.S. Air Force's Air University, with courses such as the Squadron Officer School, the Air Command and Staff College, or the Air War College.

The RBAF also takes part in training exercises with other air forces of the Gulf Cooperation Council.

History

The first batch of recruits for the Bahrain Defence Force (BDF) started basic training on 28 October 1968, and the first recruits graduated on 5 February 1969. The BDF was established in 1968, just before Bahrain's independence from the United Kingdom in 1971.

The BDF first organised an air wing in May 1976 at Riffa Air Base, which received its first aircraft, four Bo 105 helicopters, in February 1977. The air branch of the BDF began flying helicopters in 1977 and acquired F5 fighter jets from the United States in 1986. In 1987, the BDF was reorganised into separate Army, Navy, and Air Force branches, with the Air Wing becoming the Bahrain Amiri Air Force (BAAF).

Air Force equipment

The Royal Bahraini Air Force (RBAF) is the aerial warfare branch of the Bahrain Defence Force (BDF). It was formed as the BDF Air Wing in 1976 and became an independent service branch in 1987. The RBAF has a range of aircraft and equipment at its disposal, including:

• F-16C/D: The RBAF's main combat aircraft since 1989, when Bahrain became the first country in the Gulf to acquire and use them.
• F-5: Bahrain's first fighter jets, acquired in 1985, with the F-5E and F-5F variants being replaced by more modern aircraft in the 2010s.
• F-16 Block 70: Ordered in 2018, with delivery expected in 2024.
• Bell 505: Three of these helicopters were delivered to the RBAF in February 2023.
• Bell AH-1Z Viper: Ordered in 2022, with delivery expected in the second half of the same year.
• UH-60M Black Hawk: Nine of these helicopters were purchased in 2007, with deliveries commencing in 2009.
• Sikorsky S-92: A single Sikorsky S-92 VVIP helicopter was purchased in 2007 for use by the Bahrain Royal Flight.
• Boeing 737: Used as an air transport aircraft.
• Hawk missile system: Added to the Air Force in 1999.
• Augusta Bell Twin Huey helicopters: 12 of these were acquired in 1978.
• F-16V Viper: The RBAF has upgraded its existing fleet of F-16s to this variant, which is the most advanced version of the aircraft.
• AIM-120D AMRAAM and AIM-9X Sidewinder missiles: Expected to be acquired to replace older versions of these missiles.
• GBU-12 and GBU-10 Paveway II laser-guided bombs: Currently in use by the RBAF's F-16s.
• Boeing JDAM: Expected to be integrated as part of the F-16 upgrade.
• AGM-65B and AGM-65G Maverick air-to-surface missiles: These TV-guided and IIR-guided missiles are currently used by the RBAF but are expected to be replaced.

Air Force history

The Royal Bahraini Air Force (RBAF) is the aerial warfare branch of the Bahrain Defence Force (BDF). The RBAF was formed as the BDF Air Wing in 1976, becoming an independent service branch in 1987.

The Bahrain Defence Force was established in 1968 by Sheikh Isa bin Salman Al Khalifa, initially named the National Guard. In November 1969, the National Guard was renamed the Bahrain Defence Force. The first batch of recruits started basic training in October 1968, with the first graduating in February 1969.

In 1977, the air branch of the BDF was organised and began flying helicopters. In 1986, F5 fighter jets were acquired from the United States. In 1987, the Bahrain Defence Force was reorganised into separate Army, Navy, and Air Force branches, with the Air Wing becoming the Bahrain Amiri Air Force (BAAF). The delivery of a squadron of F-16s from 1990 onwards marked a significant increase in the capabilities of the air arm. The new F-16 unit was based at Sheik Isa Air Base, alongside the F-5s.

The RBAF was involved in combat operations during the Gulf War, carrying out air strikes against Iraq. The Bahraini F-16s were flown by the 1st Tactical Fighter Squadron in Operation Desert Storm, operating alongside coalition forces, including 200 American aircraft. The operations lasted from 25 January 1991 until the end of the war, with an average of six sorties per day.

In 1994, the 8th Helicopter Squadron was established with Bell AH-1 Cobra attack helicopters, followed by the 9th Helicopter Squadron in 1997, providing close air support to the Royal Bahraini Army. In 1999, the Air Defense Wing, equipped with the Hawk missile system, was brought under the control of the Air Force.

In July 2000, Bahrain signed a deal with BAE Systems to establish a pilot academy. The first trainers were delivered in October 2006. After Bahrain became a monarchy in 2002, the BAAF was renamed the Royal Bahraini Air Force.

Current operations

The Royal Bahraini Air Force (RBAF) is the aerial warfare branch of the Bahrain Defence Force (BDF). It was formed as the BDF Air Wing in 1976 and became an independent service branch in 1987. The RBAF has been involved in several combat operations, including the Gulf War and the Saudi-led intervention in the Yemeni Civil War.

In the early 2010s, Bahrain decided to modernise its fleet by replacing older F-5E and F-5F fighters with more advanced aircraft. In 2018, a contract was awarded to Lockheed Martin for the production of 16 F-16 Viper Block 70 fighter aircraft, with an expected completion date of September 2023. This follows an earlier deal in 2017 for the sale of up to 22 F-16 Block 70/72 aircraft and 20 upgrade kits to enhance the existing F-16 fleet to the F-16V Viper variant.

In addition to the F-16 upgrades, Bahrain has also invested in new helicopter capabilities. In 2023, Bell Textron Inc. delivered three Bell 505 helicopters to the RBAF. Furthermore, in March 2023, Bahrain requested the purchase of 24 Bell AH-1W Super Cobra attack helicopters from the US through a Foreign Military Sales deal valued at approximately US$350 million.

The RBAF actively participates in training exercises with other air forces within the Gulf Cooperation Council. Additionally, Bahraini officers are sent to the United States for further training at institutions such as the U.S. Air Force's Air University.

The RBAF continues to develop and enhance its capabilities through modernisation initiatives, international collaborations, and participation in joint exercises. These efforts contribute to the force's operational readiness and ability to safeguard Bahrain's national interests.

Frequently asked questions