Key Facts
| Total Delivered: |
3 |
| Service Entry: |
1982 |
| Retirement: |
In Service |
History
Two Bell 412 obtained from USA in 1982. One Bell 412SP obtained from USA in 1990. Used for policing duties.
Individual Details
| Serial |
c/no. |
Prev. Identity |
Delivered |
Fate/Notes |
| BPS-3 |
33055 |
|
1982 |
noted 2005 |
| BPS-04 |
33057 |
|
1982 |
noted 1990, to Chile AF H-42 Mar 2002 |
| BPS-05 |
33187 |
N3214Q |
April 1989 |
412SP, noted Jan 2009 |
More Information
References
- Worldmil (1988)
- Worldmil (1994)
- Worldmil (1996)
- Police Aviation News No.55 November 2000
- World Air Forces Directory 2006/07 (Mach III)
Other Sources
To be added.
Key Facts
| Total Delivered: |
1 |
| Service Entry: |
1978 |
| Retirement: |
1979 |
History
One Bell 205A-1 obtained from USA in 1978. Used for policing duties. Withdrawn from service in 1979.
Individual Details
| Serial |
c/no. |
Prev. Identity |
Delivered |
Fate/Notes |
| BPS-7 |
30218 |
|
Oct 1978 |
to 9V-BML, LN-ORX |
More Information
References
- Worldmil (1988)
- Worldmil (1994)
- Worldmil (1996)
- World Air Forces Directory 2006/07 (Mach III)
Other Sources
To be added.
Click on aircraft type for more details
Key Facts
| Current Title: |
Not known |
| English Title: |
Bahrain Public Security Flying Wing |
| Abbreviation: |
BPS |
History
Narrative Summary
The Bahrain State Police was first established in 1962, to look after internal security matters. In June 1965 it acquired its first helicopter, a Westland Scout. A second Scout was obtained the following year. At independence from Britain in 1971, the force was renamed Bahrain Public Security and it subsequently became a component of the Bahrain Defense Force. Further helicopters were acquired for the Flying Wing. The BPS remains an all-helicopter force which maintains close co-operation with the Royal Bahraini Air Force and Royal Bahraini Navy.
Key Dates
| 1962 |
|
Bahrain State Police first established. |
| June 1965 |
|
First helicopter acquired. |
| 1971 |
|
Bahrain State Police renamed Bahrain Public Security. |
Current Status
BPS helicopters are currently used for various policing and internal security tasks.
Future Plans
No future procurement plans known.
Markings
National Insignia
The same national markings as the Air Force are carried. The service title BAHRAIN PUBLIC SECURITY is displayed in Arabic and English on the fuselage sides.
Aircraft Serial Numbers
All police aircraft carry police specific serial numbers. The first two helicopters acquired used the serial prefix BSP (for Bahrain State Police) followed by a single digit sequence number eg: BSP-1. Helicopters acquired after independence used the serial prefix BPS (for Bahrain Public Security) followed by a single digit sequence number which followed on from those previously allocated eg: BPS-3. By about 1980, the numbers 1 to 9 had been used up, and a new two-digit numbering sequence commencing at 01 was initiated eg: BPS-03.
Unit/Base Codes
Coding system not used
Aircraft
Aircraft Designations
None – Manufacturers designations used
Current Aircraft Inventory
Click on aircraft type for more details
| Aircraft Type |
Total
Del’d |
Total
Now |
Role |
| Bell 412 |
2 |
1 |
Policing/Transport |
| Bell 412SP |
1 |
1 |
Policing/Transport |
All-Time Aircraft Used List
Alphabetical Order — Chronological Order
Aircraft NOT Used
A Bell 407 was reported delivered in 2001. This was actually a Bell 427.
Organisation
Main Headquarters
Sheikh Isa Air Base.
Organisational Structure
Not applicable.
Current Order of Battle
Not applicable.
Historical Orders of Battle
Not applicable.
All-Time Flying Units List
Not applicable.
Air Bases
Current Air Bases
By 2002 all helicopters were based at Sheikh Isa Air Base.
All-Time Air Bases Used List
The initial Flying Wing base was Manama Fort, near the capital, but circa 2002 a move was made to Sheikh Isa AB.
More Information
Books
Bahrain Aviation Bibliography – to be added
Magazines
No feature articles found.
Websites
Official Bahrain Ministry of the Interior website
Any photographs illustrating this air arm would be welcome.
Key Facts
| Main Role: |
Patrol/SAR |
| Secondary Role: |
Transport/Anti-shipping |
| First Formed: |
1994 |
| Parent Unit: |
Helicopter Wing |
History
Number 5 Squadron was formed in 1994 to operate the MBB Bo 105CBS-4. This is the only helicopter unit of the Royal Bahraini Navy. The unit forms part of the Helicopter Wing at Rifa’a Air Base.
Aircraft
| Type |
Qty |
Service |
Example Serials |
| Bo 105CBS-4 |
2 |
1994 – Present |
511 |
Unit Markings
Main Bases
| Base |
Duration |
| Rifa’a AB |
1994 – Present |
More Information
References
Other Sources
To be added.
Key Facts
| Total Delivered: |
2 |
| Service Entry: |
1994 |
| Retirement: |
In Service |
History
Two Bo 105CBS-MSS acquired new from the manufacturer in 1994. The Bo 105CBS-MSS is a navalised version of the CBS-4, equipped for maritime surveillance and SAR with provisions including a search radar in an undernose radome and NVG compatible cockpit lighting. It can also be used for over the horizon targeting of the Exocet MM40 anti-shipping missile. Operated by the 5th Squadron.
Individual Details
| Serial |
c/no. |
Prev. Identity |
Delivered |
Fate/Notes |
| 511 |
|
|
August 1994 |
noted Apr 1999 |
| ? |
|
|
1994 |
|
More Information
References
- World Air Power Journal Vol 21 Summer 1995 p.9
- Worldmil (1996) p.51
- World Air Forces Directory 2006/07 (Mach III)
Other Sources
To be added.
Key Facts
| Current Title: |
Not known |
| English Title: |
Royal Bahraini Navy Air Arm |
| Abbreviation: |
RBN |
History
Narrative Summary
The Royal Bahraini Navy was first established in the 1970s as the Naval branch of the Bahrain Defense Force, to monitor shipping routes around the islands of the Bahrain archipelago. In 1987, the title Bahrain Amiri Navy was formally adopted. In 1994 the first helicopters were ordered and delivery took place soon after. In 2002 the official name was changed to Royal Bahraini Navy. The Navy air arm remains an all-helicopter force.
Key Dates
| 1971? |
|
Bahrain Defense Force first established. |
| 1987 |
|
BDF naval branch renamed Bahrain Amiri Navy. |
| 1994 |
|
First helicopters acquired. |
| Feb 2002 |
|
Bahrain Amiri Navy renamed Royal Bahraini Navy. |
Current Status
The Royal Bahraini Navy operates two fast attack craft and an ex-US Navy frigate which can embark helicopters. The helicopters are currently used for maritime surveillance and Search-and-Rescue tasks.
Future Plans
No future procurement plans known.
Markings
National Insignia
The Navy uses the same roundel and fin flash as the Amiri Air Force. The service titles ROYAL BAHRAINI NAVY are carried in Arabic and English on the fuselage sides, replacing the previous BAHRAIN AMIRI NAVY titles.
Aircraft Serial Numbers
The Navy uses the same three-digit numerical sequence system as the Air Force eg: 511.
Unit/Base Codes
Coding system not used
Aircraft
Aircraft Designations
None – Manufacturers designations used
Current Aircraft Inventory
Click on aircraft type for more details
| Aircraft Type |
Total
Del’d |
Total
Now |
Role |
| MBB Bo 105CBS |
2 |
2 |
Maritime Patrol/SAR |
All-Time Aircraft Used List
See ‘Current Service Aircraft’ table above.
Aircraft NOT Used
No false reports known.
Organisation
Main Headquarters
Manama.
Organisational Structure
The Navy’s single helicopter squadron is co-located with the Air Force’s helicopter units at Rifa’a on Bahrain Island.
Current Order of Battle
Click on unit title for more details
| Squadron |
Type |
Base |
| 5 Squadron |
MBB Bo 105CBS |
Rifa’a |
Historical Orders of Battle
Not applicable.
All-Time Flying Units List
Not applicable.
Air Bases
Current Air Bases
All helicopters are based at Rifa’a on Bahrain Island.
All-Time Air Bases Used List
To be added
More Information
Books
Bahrain Aviation Bibliography – to be added
Magazines
No feature articles known.
Websites
wikipedia: Royal Bahrain Naval Force
Any photographs illustrating this air arm would be welcome.
| 1st Century |
|
Bahrain known by the Greeks and Romans. |
| 7th Century |
|
Arabs begin to settle in Bahrain. |
| 1521 |
|
Portuguese base established. |
| 1602 |
|
Bahrain captured by the Persians with British help. |
| 1700s |
|
Ottoman (Turkish) Empire takes control of the area. |
| 1782 |
|
Arab Al-Khalifah dynasty assumes control of Bahrain. |
| 1816 |
|
First Treaty with the British signed by Bahrain. |
| 1861 |
|
Bahrain becomes a British protectorate. |
| 1913 |
|
Treaty between Britain and Turkey recognises Bahrain as an independent state. |
| 1932 |
|
Bahrain is the first country in the Gulf to strike oil. |
| 1934 |
|
British naval base established. |
| 1968 |
|
British forces withdraw from the Gulf region. |
| 1970 |
|
Council of State established. |
| 15 August 1971 |
|
Bahrain is granted full independence by Britain. |
| 1971 |
|
Bahrain becomes a member of the United Nations. |
| 1973 |
|
Partly elected National Assembly created. |
| 1973-1974 |
|
Bahrain participates in oil embargo on Western states. |
| 1975 |
|
National Assembly dissolved. |
| 1978 |
|
Oil industry partly nationalised. |
| March 1981 |
|
Bahrain is a founder member of Gulf Cooperation Council. |
| 2 August 1990 |
|
Iraq invades Kuwait. |
| August 1990-mid 1991 |
|
Bahrain hosts British forces before and during the Gulf War. |
| 1995-1996 |
|
Shi’a protests over Sunni political dominance. |
| February 2001 |
|
Referendum backs move to constitutional monarchy. |
| 14 February 2002 |
|
Bahrain becomes constitutional monarchy. |
Due to its convenient location, Bahrain has been an important trading centre for centuries – it was certainly known to early Greek and Roman explorers. During the 7th century the territory was first occupied by Arabs and subsequently became famous for its pearl fishing.
In 1521 the Portuguese occupied the area and established a base. They remained in control until overthrown by the Persians (Iranians) in 1602 with British help. The area subsequently became part of the Ottoman (Turkish) Empire. In 1872 the Arab Al-Khalifah family became rulers and have remained so ever since.
Bahrain signed its first treaty with Britain in 1816. This was followed-up by another in 1861 which formally made Bahrain a British protectorate. The area soon became an important commerce and shipping centre. A treaty agreed in 1913 between Britain and Turkey recognised Bahrain as an independent state. Bahrain became the first country in the Arabian Gulf to strike oil in 1932. Today some 70% of the national income comes from oil, which is all processed locally.
A naval base was established by the British in 1934. During the 1960s there was a phased reduction in the size of the British forces presence in the Gulf region, reaching full withdrawal in 1968. In 1970 a Council of State was set up to take over the running of the country. On 15 August 1971 full independence was granted, and a short while later Bahrain was admitted into the United Nations.
In 1973 a partly elected National Assembly was created, but this was dissolved in 1975 following a period of political agitation. In 1978 the oil industry was partly nationalised. After the Iranian Revolution on the opposite side of the Gulf, the five Arab Gulf states including Bahrain established the Gulf Cooperation Council in March 1981. Bahrain served as a major base for British military forces in the wake of the Iraq invasion of Kuwait in August 1990. Air operations were conducted from Muharraq throughout ‘Desert Shield’ and ‘Desert Storm’.
Between 1994 and 1996, a campaign of civil unrest led by Shi’ite dissidents finally brought a crackdown from the Sunni-led government, which accused Iran of backing a plot to depose the head of state. A simmering dispute between Bahrain and Qatar over the Hawar Islands, which belong to Bahrain, was resolved in June 1998.
Following a favourable referendum in February 2001, the country became a constitutional monarchy on 14 February 2002, under which the Amir became the King of Bahrain.
![[Bahrain Flag]](http://www.aeroflight.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/2010/05/bahrein.gif)
State of Bahrain
(Dawlat al Bahrayn)
Key Facts
| Date of Independence: |
15 August 1971 |
| Total Area Ranking: |
184th in the World |
| Population Size Ranking: |
158th in the World |
| GDP Ranking: |
99th in the World |
The Country
Geography
The small Arab sheikhdom of Bahrain consists of a group of 33 low lying sandy islands located in the Arabian Gulf (also known as the Persian Gulf) between Saudi Arabia and Qatar. Bahrain Island is by far the largest and gives its name to the archipelago. A causeway joins Bahrain to the next largest island, Al Muharraq. The third largest island is Sitrah. The capital is Manama (Al Manamah), situated in the north east part of Bahrain island. The archipelago covers an area of about 270 square miles (692 square kilometers), and with a population of 485,600 (1993 figures) Bahrain is the most densely populated Gulf state. The population is roughly 63% Bahraini, 13% Asian, 10% other Arab and 8% Iranian. 70% of the population is Shi’a Muslim and 30% Sunni Muslim.
National History
Summary Narrative History
Timeline – Key Dates in Bahraini History
Further National Information
BBC News Profile: Bahrain
Yahoo Bahrain page
wikipedia: Bahrain
wikipedia: History of Bahrain
Aviation
Text to be added on the development of aviation in Bahrain.
Markings
Civil Aircraft Registrations
Upon independence in 1971, the registration prefix A9C-xx (later expanded to A9C-xxx) was adopted, eg: A9C-BAH.
An incomplete all-time Bahrain civil aircraft register listing is here.
Aircraft Operators
Military Air Arms
Air Force (Royal Bahraini Air Force)
Naval Aviation (Royal Bahraini Navy Air Arm)
Central Government Agencies
Government (Bahrain Royal Flight)
Public Service Aviation
Medical Aviation – no information
Police Aviation (Bahrain Public Security Flying Wing)
Commercial Aviation
Gulf Air (Headquarters in Bahrain, aircraft registered in Oman).
wikipedia: Airlines of Bahrain
The World’s Airlines: Bahrain
Private Aviation
To be added
Industry
Aircraft Manufacturers
None at present
Aircraft Maintenance/Repair Depots
None known.
Airfields
Civil Airports & Airfields
Bahrain International Airport
Airports in Bahrain
Military Air Bases & Airfields
Military Air Bases Listing – to be added
On Show
Aviation Museums
None at present
Airshow Dates
Key Airshow Dates
More Information
Aviation-Related Magazines
None known.
Aviation Bibliography
Bahrain Aviation Bibliography – to be added
Web Links
Civil Aviation Affairs Bahrain
Aircraft Used | admin | 
16 May 2010 6:45 am | 
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