The RBAF is currently in a period of significant modernization, completing the induction of advanced F-16 Block 70 (Viper) fighters and AH-1Z Viper attack helicopters to enhance its multi-role and maritime strike capabilities.
ROYAL BAHRAINI AIR FORCE (RBAF) • سلاح الجو الملكي البحريني
Air Force ε1,500 personnel. Organization: The force is structured into specialized fighter, transport, and rotary-wing squadrons, including a dedicated Royal Flight for VIP transport.
Forces by Role & Equipment by Type
• AIRCRAFT 42 combat capable.
Fighter & Fighter Ground Attack with 3 active squadrons 30 FGA ac:
- 9 Lockheed Martin F-16V Viper Block 70 (3 additional on order);
- 17 Lockheed Martin F-16C Fighting Falcon Block 40;
- 4 Lockheed Martin F-16D Fighting Falcon Block 40;
Fighter & Air Defence (Interceptor) with 1 active squadrons 12 Ftr ac:
- 8 Northrop F-5E Tiger II (Utilized for fighter/ground attack).
- 4 Northrop F-5F Tiger II (Utilized for fighter/ground attack and advanced training).
Transport with approx. 3 active ac:
- 2 Lockheed Martin C-130J Hercules;
- 1 Cessna 208 Caravan.
Training (Fixed-wing) with approx. 9 active ac:
- 6 BAE Systems Hawk Mk129;
- 3 Slingsby T67M260 Firefly.
Royal Flight & VIP Transport (Fixed-wing):
- Boeing 737-800; Boeing 767; Boeing 747; BAe 146; Gulfstream II; Gulfstream IV; Gulfstream 450; Gulfstream 550.
• HELICOPTER 42+ combat capable.
Attack (Helicopters) with 3 squadrons 42 Atk hel:
- 12 Bell AH-1Z Viper;
- 10 Bell AH-1E Cobra;
- 12 Bell AH-1F Cobra;
- 2 Bell AH-1P Cobra;
- 6 Bell TAH-1P Cobra (Utilized for training/attack duties).
Transport & Multi-Role (Helicopter) with approx. 32 active hel:
- 22 Bell 212/412 Twin Huey;
- 8 Sikorsky S-70/UH-60M Black Hawk;
- 3 Bell 505 Jet Ranger X;
- 4 MBB Bo-105 (Utilized for training and liaison).
Transport & Multi-Role (Helicopter) with approx. 32 active hel:
- 22 Bell 212/412 Twin Huey;
- 8 Sikorsky S-70/UH-60M Black Hawk;
- 3 Bell 505 Jet Ranger X;
- 4 MBB Bo-105 (Utilized for training and liaison).
• MISSILES
ASM AGM-65D/G Maverick
ARM AS-12 Kegler
AAM AIM-120B AMRAAM, AIM-7F Sparrow, AIM-9P Sidewinder
ATGW some BGM-71 TOW
• LANTIRN
3 Lockheed Martin AN/AAQ-14 Sharpshooter targeting pod
• FACILITIES
RBAF Staff and Main Headquarters: Based at Manama Fort, near the capital.
Royal Bahraini Air Force, Air Operations Centre, P.O. Box 245, Bahrain.
1st Tactical Fighter Wing : Shaikh Isa AB : Bahrain Intl. Airport (Manama)
Royal Bahraini Air Force Airfields and Airbases Organisation:
Shaikh Isa Air Base: Bahrain Intl. Airport (Manama)
1 FW (1st Tactical Fighter Wing)
1st TFS - Multirole: F-16C-40/D-40
2nd TFS - Multirole/OCU: F-16C-40
6th TFS - Multirole/OCU: F-5E/F
The Training Wing
4th Squadron: T67M-260
5th Squadron: Hawk Mk.129
Rifa'a Air Base
The Helicopter Wing
3rd Helicopter Squadron: AB212
8th Helicopter Squadron: AH-1E/P/TAH-1P
9th Helicopter Squadron: AH-1E/P/TAH-1P
10th Helicopter Squadron: Bo-105C
12th Helicopter Squadron: UH-60L/M/A
Note: Bahrain has 4 airports with paved runways (over 3,047 m: 3 2,438 to 3,047 m: 1) and one heliport.
By 2026, Bahrain has successfully integrated the F-16V Block 70 into its primary air defense and strike wings, significantly upgrading its electronic warfare and radar capabilities compared to legacy airframes. The attack helicopter fleet has been bolstered by the full operational status of the AH-1Z Viper squadrons, which work in tandem with modernized AH-1E/F Cobra units to provide close air support and maritime interdiction. Logistical and transport needs remain supported by the C-130J and an extensive Royal Flight fleet, while pilot training is sustained through the Hawk Mk129 and T67 Firefly platforms.
4/5 Generation Fighters 
