Under the patronage of His Majesty King Hamad bin Isa Al Khalifa, the Supreme Commander of the Bahrain Armed Forces, the inauguration ceremony of the second phase of the Bahrain Shield project at the Royal Bahraini Air Force (RBAF) was held Wednesday.
His Majesty deputised Field Marshal Shaikh Khalifa bin Ahmed Al Khalifa, Commander-in-Chief of the Bahrain Defence Force (BDF), to attend the inauguration, Bahrain News Agency (BNA) reported.
Lieutenant-General Shaikh Nasser bin Hamad Al Khalifa, National Security Advisor and Commander of the Royal Guard; Lieutenant-General Abdulla bin Hassan Al Nuaimi, Minister of Defence Affairs; Lieutenant-General Theyab bin Saqer Al Nuaimi, Chief of Staff; Shaikh Mohammed bin Khalifa Al Khalifa, Financial and Technical Affairs Advisor at the BDF General Headquarters; Mohammed Bahussain Al Musallam, Head of Special Follow-Up Affairs at the Royal Court; Major-General Pilot Shaikh Hamad bin Abdulla Al Khalifa, Commander of the RBAF, were present.
The event coincided with the celebration of the 58th anniversary of the establishment of the BDF.
The Commander-in-Chief was then briefed by the Director of Military Works on the phases of implementation of the project and the advanced systems and modern facilities it comprises. He then unveiled the commemorative plaque to mark the inauguration of the second phase of the Bahrain Shield Project. He then toured the project’s various sections, reviewing its advanced and modern systems and equipment.
Field Marshal Shaikh Khalifa bin Ahmed expressed pride in the achievements of the BDF under the leadership of His Majesty the King. He expressed pride in the 58th anniversary of the establishment of the BDF, describing it as a national milestone that embodies the values of loyalty, dedication and sacrifice.
The Commander-in-Chief added that the strength and standing of the BDF are reinforced by its founder, builder and leader, His Majesty the King, with the support of His Royal Highness Prince Salman bin Hamad Al Khalifa, the Crown Prince, Deputy Supreme Commander of the Armed Forces and Prime Minister.
Field Marshal Shaikh Khalifa bin Ahmed emphasised that, under the patronage of His Majesty the King, the brigades of the BDF continue to advance towards further achievements, ensuring the Kingdom’s security, stability and prosperity.
The Commander-in-Chief affirmed that defending the Kingdom is a national responsibility carried out by successive generations dedicated to safeguarding the nation. He added that the BDF continues to perform its duties through its personnel and equipment in line with its national mandate to protect the Kingdom, noting the high level of readiness, efficiency and professionalism demonstrated by its members.
Field Marshal Shaikh Khalifa bin Ahmed affirmed that since its establishment, the BDF has followed a structured military approach and an ongoing strategy to develop its human resources and defence systems. He noted that, under the leadership of His Majesty the King and the follow-up of HRH the Crown Prince and Prime Minister, the BDF will continue to carry out its role in safeguarding the Kingdom.
