Bahrain Military - 2021

GEOGRAPHICAL NAMES 

Military and security forces

Bahrain Defense Force (BDF): Royal Bahraini Army (includes the Royal Guard), Royal Bahraini Navy, Royal Bahraini Air Force; Ministry of Interior: National Guard, Special Security Forces Command (SSFC), Coast Guard
(2021)

note: the Royal Guard is officially under the command of the Army, but exercises considerable autonomy

Military expenditures

3.7% of GDP (2019)

4.1% of GDP (2018)

4.3% of GDP (2017)

4.7% of GDP (2016)

4.6% of GDP (2015)

Military and security service personnel strengths

information varies; approximately 10,000 active personnel (7,500 Army; 1,000 Navy; 1,500 Air Force); est. 3,000 National Guard (2021)

Military equipment inventories and acquisitions

the inventory of the Bahrain Defense force is comprised mostly of equipment acquired from the US along with a smaller quantity of material from European suppliers; since 2010, the US is the leading supplier of arms to Bahrain (2020)

Military service age and obligation

18 years of age for voluntary military service; 15 years of age for NCOs, technicians, and cadets; no conscription (2019)

NOTE: The information regarding Bahrain on this page is re-published from the 2021 World Fact Book of the United States Central Intelligence Agency and other sources. No claims are made regarding the accuracy of Bahrain 2021 information contained here. All suggestions for corrections of any errors about Bahrain 2021 should be addressed to the CIA or the source cited on each page.