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.