*** U.S. Coalition Airpower on Display at Bahrain International Airshow 2024 | THE DAILY TRIBUNE | KINGDOM OF BAHRAIN

U.S. Coalition Airpower on Display at Bahrain International Airshow 2024

Mahir Haneef

TDT| Manama

The three-day Bahrain International Airshow, which began today at the Sakhir Air Base, has set the stage for a powerful display of coalition airpower as the United States Central Command (CENTCOM), Ninth Air Force (Air Forces Central), and the U.S. Naval Forces Central Command brought a robust showcase of aircraft and military assets to one of the Gulf region's most prestigious defence expositions.

With Bahrain hosting this year’s event, the enduring security partnership between Bahrain and the U.S. took centre stage, emphasizing the strength of their cooperative defence strategies and commitment to regional stability.

Lt. Gen. Derek France, commander of Air Forces Central (AFCENT), highlighted the importance of the Bahrain International Airshow as a forum for strengthening defence ties in the region. “The Bahrain International Airshow is a fantastic opportunity to advance cooperation in the military and commercial aerospace sectors,” France remarked. “We commend Bahrain for hosting such a successful and prestigious event and look forward to continuing to build and strengthen our partnership.”

As a testament to the United States' commitment to shared security goals in the Gulf, a range of American military aircraft is on display, underscoring the depth of U.S. military presence and the advanced technological edge it brings to coalition operations.

Aircraft on display at the Bahrain International Airshow includes F-16 Fighting Falcon, A-10 Thunderbolt II, C-130J Super Hercules, MH-53E Sea Dragon, MV-22 Osprey, P-8 Poseidon, and B-52 Stratofortress.

F-16 Fighting Falcon, a versatile multi-role fighter, capable of air-to-air combat and air-to-ground missions, has been a staple of coalition operations.

A-10 Thunderbolt II (‘Warthog’), known for its effectiveness in close air support missions, brings unique firepower and resilience to the battlefield.

C-130J Super Hercules is a workhorse of tactical airlift operations, essential for logistical support and rapid transport. MH-53E Sea Dragon is a heavy-lift helicopter specializing in mine countermeasures and capable of long-endurance missions over the sea.

MV-22 Osprey, with its unique tiltrotor design, offers the versatility of vertical takeoff with the speed of fixed-wing flight. P-8 Poseidon, a maritime patrol and reconnaissance aircraft, critical for anti-submarine and surface warfare. B-52 Stratofortress, the iconic long-range bomber, providing strategic bombing capabilities that can operate across vast distances.

The airshow also features live demonstrations by the Pacific Air Forces Viper Demonstration Team, known for showcasing the exceptional manoeuvrability and power of the F-16, and the AFCENT Band, which is set to perform across various venues during the event, fostering cultural exchange and goodwill.

Bahrain's relationship with the U.S. extends over decades, built on a history of shared security initiatives and symbolized by its 30-year involvement in the F-16 fighter program. Notably, Bahrain was the first international partner to adopt the advanced F-16 Block 70, which arrived in Bahrain in March 2023. The aircraft, with state-of-the-art avionics and weapons capabilities, represents a leap forward in defence readiness and regional power projection, setting Bahrain apart as a key U.S. ally in the region.

As this year’s airshow underscores, the U.S. presence in Bahrain is more than symbolic; it is a steadfast commitment to collective security. The joint participation of U.S. Air Force, Navy, and Army assets at BIAS signals a reinforced partnership with Bahrain and a shared vision of stability across the Gulf and Arabian Peninsula. This collaboration is not only a pillar of regional defence but a testament to a relationship built on trust, shared goals, and a determination to uphold peace in one of the world’s most strategically vital regions.

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F-16 Fighting Falcon

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A U.S. Air Force A-10 Thunderbolt II flies over the U.S. Central Command area of responsibility in support of Operation Freedom's Sentinel, June 29, 2020. The Thunderbolt II is a highly accurate, global reach airframe that provides U.S. and coalition forces a maneuverable close air support and precision strike platform. (U.S. Air Force photo by Staff Sgt. Justin Parsons)

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A C-130J Super Hercules assigned to the 36th Airlift Squadron lands at Yokota Air Base, Japan, Sept. 20, 2017. This is the fifth C-130J delivered to Yokota and the first from Ramstein Air Base. Crewmembers from the 36th Airlift Squadron flew halfway around the world to deliver an aircraft here. Yokota serves as the primary Western Pacific airlift hub for U.S. Air Force peacetime and contingency operations. Missions include tactical airland, airdrop, aeromedical evacuation, special operations and distinguished visitor airlift. (U.S. Air Force photo by Yasuo Osakabe)

 
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MH-53E Sea Dragon

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MV-22B Osprey

 The MV-22 Osprey’s mission for the U.S. Marine Corps is the transportation of troops, equipment, and supplies from ships and land bases for combat assault and assault support.
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P-8A Poseidon

The P-8A Poseidon is the U.S. Navy’s multi-mission maritime patrol and reconnaissance aircraft conducting long-range anti-submarine warfare (ASW), anti-surface warfare, intelligence, surveillance and reconnaissance (ISR). P-8A Poseidon is the replacement aircraft for the P-3C Orion.
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B-52 Stratofortress

A U.S. Air Force B-52 Stratofortress, from the 5th Bomb Wing at Minot Air Force Base, N.D., breaks away after receiving fuel from a U.S. Air Force KC-135 Stratotanker from RAF Mildenhall, England, over the Mediterranean Sea April, 9, 2018. A formation of four KC-135s refueled two B-52s. Each KC-135 offloaded more than 80,000 pounds of fuel. (U.S. Air Force photo by Airman 1st Class Benjamin Cooper)