Rank #69 · Middle East
Bahrain spends approximately $1.55 billion on defense (3.6% of GDP), a high burden for a small island state of 1.57 million — driven by its strategic position as host of US Naval Forces Central Command (NAVCENT) and the US Fifth Fleet at Naval Support Activity (NSA) Bahrain. The Bahrain Defence Force operates a modern F-16 Block 70 fleet and is a key US partner for Gulf stability operations, sitting 20 km from the Iranian coast across the Arabian Gulf.
Bahrain's defense budget of approximately $1.55 billion represents about 3.6% of GDP — high by global standards and reflecting the country's security-intensive position in the Gulf. A large share funds the Bahrain Defence Force (BDF) and the National Guard, which serves internal security functions dating to the 2011 Shia uprising that required Saudi GCC Peninsula Shield intervention. The US relationship includes annual bilateral Defense Cooperation Agreement reviews and cost-sharing arrangements related to NSA Bahrain. F-16 Block 70 upgrades — a multi-year program — have been the dominant procurement line. Bahrain is also acquiring additional AH-1Z Viper attack helicopters and upgrading its command and control systems with US assistance. Oil revenues fund the state; declining reserves create long-term fiscal pressure.
The Bahrain Defence Force (BDF) fields approximately 8,200 active personnel across Army, Air Force, and Navy, with a separate National Guard serving internal security functions. The Royal Bahraini Air Force (RBAF) is the most capable element — operating approximately 33 F-16C/D Block 40 fighters plus new F-16 Block 70 deliveries under an upgrade program. The Air Force also fields F-5E/F trainers and AH-1E attack helicopters, with AH-1Z Vipers on order. The Army fields US-supplied M60A3 tanks, M113 APCs, and artillery. The Navy operates patrol vessels and fast attack craft. NSA Bahrain — Manama — hosts the US Fifth Fleet (NAVCENT), Combined Maritime Forces, and CTF-151 (counter-piracy). US presence effectively multiplies Bahraini strategic capability many times over.
Bahrain has no meaningful domestic defense industry. The kingdom is entirely dependent on US and UK arms for all significant capabilities. The RBAF F-16 upgrade program is a Lockheed Martin-led project; Raytheon provides missile systems; General Dynamics supplies ground vehicles. A Gulf-area maintenance and logistics hub function (NUWC Detachment Bahrain) performs US Navy depot-level maintenance in country. BAE Systems has a UK presence supporting the Navy. The Arab Shipbuilding and Repair Yard (ASRY) in Manama serves Gulf commercial and naval vessel maintenance. Bahrain participates in GCC defense industrial cooperation initiatives but their output is limited. US FMS and direct commercial sales dominate procurement.
Bahrain faces a two-axis threat environment. Externally, Iran across the 20-km Arabian Gulf represents the primary military threat; Iranian ballistic missiles, naval mines, and asymmetric forces (IRGC-N) could strike Bahraini and US assets with minimal warning. The US-Iran war (Operation Epic Fury, February-April 2026) raised threat levels for NSA Bahrain significantly, and the base was placed on heightened force protection posture. Internally, Bahrain has a majority Shia population while the ruling Al Khalifa family is Sunni; the 2011 Pearl Roundabout uprising required Saudi GCC Peninsula Shield force intervention and left persistent civil society tension. Iran is accused of providing support to Bahraini Shia opposition groups.
Operation Epic Fury (Feb 28-Apr 8, 2026) elevated threat levels at NSA Bahrain, with the US Navy surging force protection and Bahrain activating additional air defense assets. The Royal Bahraini Air Force completed delivery of the F-16 Block 70 upgrade package in mid-2025, giving the RBAF one of the most modern F-16 variants in the Gulf. In 2024 Bahrain ordered 12 AH-1Z Viper attack helicopters from the US under an FMS case valued at approximately $550 million. Bahrain participated in Exercise Artemis Trident 24 with the US Fifth Fleet and regional partners in October 2024. The kingdom continued Abraham Accords normalization activities with Israel, including defense-adjacent intelligence sharing and dual-use technology cooperation.
Naval Support Activity (NSA) Bahrain hosts US Naval Forces Central Command and the Fifth Fleet under a Defense Cooperation Agreement dating to 1991. Bahrain's central Gulf position, deep harbor, and political reliability make it the indispensable US naval hub for the Middle East — covering Red Sea, Arabian Gulf, and Indian Ocean operations including counter-piracy, Iran deterrence, and Houthi operations.
Approximately $1.55 billion in 2025, or about 3.6% of GDP. This is high for a country of 1.57 million people, reflecting the security burden of hosting US forces and maintaining a capable air force in a neighborhood dominated by Iran.
Approximately 33 F-16C/D fighters, recently upgraded to the Block 70 standard — one of the most advanced F-16 variants, featuring the APG-83 AESA radar and conformal fuel tanks. The RBAF also fields F-5E/F trainers and AH-1E attack helicopters, with AH-1Z Vipers on order under a 2024 FMS deal.