Bahrain Defence Force

The Bahrain Defence Force (Arabic: قوة دفاع البحرين, romanized: Quwwat Difāʿ al-Baḥrayn; abbreviated BDF) is the military force of the Kingdom of Bahrain. The Bahrain Defence Force is under the direct command and leadership of a commander-in-chief who holds the rank of field marshal. The Government has a Minister of Defence Affairs, responsible for BDF representation in the Cabinet. The BDF numbers about 40,000+ personnel and consists of the Royal Bahraini Air Force, Royal Bahraini Army, Royal Bahraini Navy and the Royal Guard. Apart from the BDF, the public security forces and the Coast Guard report to the Ministry of Interior. In January 2008, Crown Prince Salman bin Hamad Al Khalifa, was appointed as the Deputy Supreme Commander, while Khalifa bin Ahmed Al Khalifa was appointed Commander-in-Chief of the BDF. BDF's Chief of Staff is Lieutenant General Theyab bin Saqer Al Noaimi.