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 Active |
Still on Order |
Role |
| Bell 412 |
2 |
1 |
0 |
Policing/Transport |
| Bell 412SP |
1 |
1 |
0 |
Policing/Transport |
All-Time Aircraft Used List
All-Time Table of Aircraft Used
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.
