Bahrain Defence Force
The Bahrain Defence Force (Arabic: قوة دفاع البحرين, abbreviated BDF) is the military force of the Kingdom of Bahrain. The Bahrain Defence Force is under the direct command and leadership of a commander-in-chief who holds the rank of field marshal. The Government has a Minister of Defence Affairs, responsible for BDF representation in the Cabinet.
| Bahrain Defence Force | |
|---|---|
| قوة دفاع البحرين | |
| Founded | 1968 |
| Service branches | Royal Bahraini Army Royal Bahrain Naval Force Royal Bahraini Air Force Royal Guard Bahrain Royal Medical Services |
| Website | www |
| Leadership | |
| Supreme Commander | Hamad bin Isa Al Khalifa |
| Deputy Supreme Commander | Salman bin Hamad Al Khalifa |
| Commander-in-chief | Khalifa bin Ahmed Al Khalifa |
| Minister for Defence Affairs | Abdulla bin Hasan Al Nuaimi |
| Chief of Staff | Theyab bin Saqer Al Noaimi |
| Personnel | |
| Active personnel | 8,200 |
| Expenditures | |
| Budget | $1.5 billion (2022) |
| Percent of GDP | 3.4% (2022) |
| Related articles | |
| Ranks | Military ranks of Bahrain |
| Military of Bahrain |
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|
Member State of the Arab League |
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| Judiciary |
| Administrative divisions (governorates) |
| Bahrain portal |
The BDF numbers about 18,000 personnel and consists of the Royal Bahraini Air Force, Royal Bahraini Army, Royal Bahraini Navy and the Royal Guard. Apart from the BDF, the public security forces and the Coast Guard report to the Ministry of Interior.
In January 2008, Crown Prince Salman bin Hamad bin Isa Al Khalifa, was appointed as the Deputy Supreme Commander, while Khalifa bin Ahmed Al Khalifa was appointed Commander-in-Chief of the BDF. BDF's Chief of Staff is Lieutenant General Theyab bin Saqer Al Noaimi.