Key Facts
| Current Title: |
| Not known |
| English Title: |
| Royal Bahraini Navy Air Arm |
| Abbreviation: |
| RBN |
| First Established: |
| 1994 |
| ICAO Code: |
| (None) |
| Country: |
| Bahrain |
| Status: |
| Active |
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 Active | Still on Order | Role |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| MBB Bo 105CBS | 2 | 2 | 0 | Maritime Patrol/SAR |
All-Time Aircraft Used List
| Aircraft Type | Quantity | Service Entry | Out of Service | Origin | MBB Bo 105CBS | 2 | 1994 | current | Germany |
|---|
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