Ambitious strategic plans are in place to develop and modernise the Bahrain Defence Force (BDF) so that it can continue to face mounting global and regional challenges as well as protect the nation, its top commander has said.

These include adding the most advanced combat aircraft to its fleet and plans to diversify the sources of its weapons systems.

Commander-in-Chief Field Marshal Shaikh Khalifa bin Ahmed Al Khalifa outlined a clear picture of the BDF capabilities and strength and its ambitious plans in all fields during a lengthy and comprehensive conversation with editors-in-chief of local newspapers as the force celebrates its 55th anniversary today.

He spoke at length on all major issues pertaining to the BDF and its national role, not only in Bahrain but also at the Gulf and Arab levels.

Talks touched on major regional challenges facing the kingdom and GCC states and their stance towards them.

Dangers threatening the GCC countries, especially from the Iranian regime and its agents in the region, and the position on such dangers were discussed.

GCC military co-operation, the role of Bahrain and its defence force and the importance of BDF civilian volunteers were highlighted.

The BDF Commander-in-Chief said doors would soon be opened for women to join as civilian volunteers.

On achievements made by the BDF in terms of manufacturing military equipment and the possibility of adopting artificial intelligence technology, the Commander-in-Chief said the strategic planning process in the force goes hand in hand with the civilisation-building process taking place in the kingdom as part of the comprehensive development march, the foundations of which were laid by His Majesty King Hamad, the Supreme Commander of the Armed Forces, with the continuous follow-up from His Royal Highness Prince Salman bin Hamad Al Khalifa, Crown Prince, Deputy Supreme Commander of the Armed Forces and Prime Minister.

The strategic planning of the BDF is constantly renewed, he said.

Based on the firm belief in the importance of self-sufficiency in defence manufacturing, a military institution was established to develop manufacturing in the BDF, including designing, developing and modifying systems, establishing private factories to manufacture weapons, ammunition, military equipment and modern technologies.

The BDF strategic planning mainly features investment in human resources, pressing ahead with plans related to administrative progress and combat capacity-building, he noted.

Field Marshal Shaikh Khalifa stressed the need to focus on artificial intelligence, given the key role of technological development in national and global security and the impact of progress in artificial intelligence on future wars and the threats facing the region.

He described BDF personnel as loyal soldiers to His Majesty and defenders of homeland security.

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