Bahrain Military Power Ranking 2025

MPR Rank: 84th
MPR SCORE: 340
MPR Index: 0.1150 (1.0000 is perfect)
Reverse MPR Index: 0.8387 (0.0000 is perfect)
Z Score: -0289 (standard deviations above the mean)

Overview

Bahrain ranks 84th globally in the 2025 Military Power Rankings. The Bahrain Defence Force (BDF) plays a pivotal role in national defense, Gulf security, and coalition operations alongside the United States and Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) allies. Despite being one of the smallest countries in the Middle East, Bahrain maintains a technologically capable military with an emphasis on air defense, naval security, and internal stabilization.

Bahrain’s strategic location in the Persian Gulf—adjacent to Iran, near the Strait of Hormuz, and host to the U.S. Fifth Fleet—grants it an outsized role in regional security architecture. The BDF benefits from close military cooperation with the United States, British military exchange, and GCC interoperability, reinforcing its posture as a forward-positioned coalition ally in the Arabian Peninsula.

Strengths

1. Strategic Hosting of the U.S. Fifth Fleet

Bahrain is home to Naval Support Activity Bahrain, the headquarters of the U.S. Fifth Fleet, making it a critical node in CENTCOM’s regional command. This enhances Bahrain’s intelligence sharing, joint training, and maritime security capabilities.

2. Air and Naval Modernization

The BDF has made targeted investments in fighter aircraft, fast attack craft, coastal missile systems, and naval radar, enabling it to secure its EEZ and monitor threats in the Gulf waterway. Recent procurements include F-16 Block 70 fighters and patrol boats.

3. Coalition Warfare Experience

Bahrain has contributed troops and support assets to coalition operations, including the Gulf War, the campaign against ISIS, and GCC deployments in Yemen. Its small but professional force is structured for interoperability, not large-scale independent action.

Why Bahrain Is Still Ranked 84th

1. Small Force Size

Bahrain’s active-duty military numbers only a few thousand personnel. It lacks force depth, heavy armor, and strategic reserves, making it reliant on external support for sustained conflict scenarios.

2. Limited Indigenous Defense Industry

Unlike regional peers, Bahrain has a minimal domestic defense production base, making it heavily dependent on foreign procurement and maintenance contracts, particularly from the U.S. and UK.

3. Geostrategic Vulnerability

Located within missile range of Iran, Bahrain faces potential asymmetric threats including cyberattacks, maritime disruption, and proxy destabilization. Its own capacity to deter or counter these threats independently is limited.

Conclusion

Bahrain’s military is a small but capable force, optimized for coalition engagement, internal stability, and strategic deterrence through partnerships. Its hosting of the U.S. Fifth Fleet, regional defense role in the GCC, and modern air/naval platforms make it a vital cog in Persian Gulf security. While Bahrain is not structured for long-range offensive action, its tactical readiness, logistical access, and Western alignment place it firmly above other microstates in military effectiveness.

Military Strength and Force Projection

Active Military Personnel: 18,000 (IISS 2023)
Reserve Personnel: 3,000 (CIA World Factbook)
Paramilitary Forces: 10,000 (National Guard, Interior Ministry Forces)
Army Personnel: 12,000
Navy Personnel: 3,000
Air Force Personnel: 3,000

Ground Forces

Main Battle Tanks (MBTs): 180+ (M60 Patton)
Armored Fighting Vehicles (AFVs): 500+
Artillery (Towed and Self-Propelled): 100+

Air Force

Combat Aircraft: 40+ (SIPRI 2023)
Helicopters: 20+
Transport Aircraft: 15+

Aircraft Breakdown:

F-16 Fighting Falcons: 22 (multi-role fighters)
F-5 Freedom Fighter: 10 (air superiority fighters)
AH-1 Cobra Helicopters: 10 (attack helicopters)

Naval Forces

Bahrain’s navy focuses on securing its maritime interests in the Persian Gulf and working in cooperation with regional and international partners like the U.S. and GCC.

Patrol Vessels: 6+
Frigates: 2
Corvettes: 1

Missile Capabilities

Bahrain does not possess strategic missile capabilities such as ballistic or hypersonic missiles. However, it has a robust air defense network and short-range surface-to-air missile systems.

Strategic Partnerships

Bahrain’s most significant defense relationship is with the United States, which operates its Fifth Fleet naval base from Bahrain. Bahrain is also a member of the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC), which strengthens its defense ties with regional powers like Saudi Arabia and the UAE. These partnerships play a crucial role in enhancing Bahrain’s defensive capabilities.

Military History & Combat Experience

Bahrain’s combat experience is closely tied to coalition warfare, regional security deployments, and internal security operations. While not a power with major independent war history, the BDF has consistently contributed to key Gulf military coalitions.

Gulf War (1990–1991):
Bahrain participated in the U.S.-led coalition to liberate Kuwait, contributing ground troops, medical teams, and logistics support. The war cemented Bahrain’s alignment with U.S. strategic doctrine and expanded its role in Gulf security frameworks.
Operation Enduring Freedom – Afghanistan (2001–2014):
Bahrain deployed a small medical unit and logistical personnel to support NATO operations in Afghanistan, reinforcing its position as a reliable coalition partner and interoperable military actor within Western-led missions.
Yemen Civil War (2015–2018):
As a member of the Saudi-led coalition, Bahrain deployed troops and armored vehicles to Yemen, suffering casualties in Marib and Taiz. The deployment tested Bahrain’s force projection capacity and sparked domestic debate over the role of the BDF in regional interventions.
Ongoing Internal Security and Riot Control (2011–present):
Since the Arab Spring protests in 2011, the BDF and Bahrain’s Ministry of Interior have conducted continuous counter-riot operations, especially in Shi’a-majority districts. These internal deployments have included curfews, cordon-and-search missions, and foreign troop coordination—notably with Saudi units under the GCC Peninsula Shield Force.

Bahrain’s military legacy reflects a coalition-driven force model, tailored to support larger partners, manage domestic unrest, and serve as a strategic host nation in Gulf military architecture. Its experience in multinational operations, internal security, and naval surveillance gives the BDF relevance beyond its size.

General Information

Bahrain

Demographics and Geography

Population: ~1.5 million (2024 est.)
Population Available for Military Service: ~600,000
Geographic Area: 760 km²
Land Boundaries: 0 km (island nation)
Bordering Countries: None (connected by causeway to Saudi Arabia)
Coastline: 161 km
Climate: Arid; mild, pleasant winters and hot, humid summers
Terrain: Mostly low desert plain with some low hills
Natural Resources: Oil, natural gas, fish, pearls
Proven Oil Reserves: ~125 million barrels
Proven Natural Gas Reserves: ~13 trillion cubic feet

Economic Indicators

Defense Budget (2025): ~$1.7 billion USD
Defense Budget as % of GDP: ~4.1%
GDP (PPP): ~$92 billion USD
GDP per Capita (PPP): ~$59,000
External Debt: ~$46 billion USD
Military Expenditure Trend (last 5 years): Stable; focused on air defense and Gulf deterrence

Military Infrastructure and Readiness

Military Service Obligation: Voluntary
Primary Defense Focus: Internal security, maritime protection, regional alliances
Military Industry Base: Minimal; relies on U.S. and Gulf imports
Cyber/Electronic Warfare Capability: Developing
Nuclear Warhead Inventory: None (non-nuclear state)
Major Military Districts / Commands: Divided under Bahrain Defence Force (BDF) HQ
Missile Inventory Highlights: Patriot PAC-3, TOW, Exocet, Stinger
Reservist Call-up Readiness / Timeline: High readiness; activated within 15–30 days
Reservist Force Size: ~15,000

Space, Intelligence, and Strategic Infrastructure

Space or Satellite Programs: None
Military Satellite Inventory: None
Intelligence Infrastructure: National Security Agency, Military Intelligence
Intelligence Sharing Partnerships: U.S., GCC, UK
Airports (Total): ~4
Major Military Airports: Isa AB

Naval Power and Maritime Logistics

Merchant Marine Fleet: ~20 vessels
Major Ports: Manama, Mina Salman
Naval Infrastructure: Patrol craft, corvettes, Gulf-based naval presence
Naval Replenishment Capability: Strong for size; supports U.S. 5th Fleet

Domestic Mobility and Infrastructure

Railway Network: Planned GCC railway; not operational
Roadways: ~4,000 km

Energy and Fuel Logistics

Oil Production: ~200,000 barrels/day
Energy Imports: Imports some refined petroleum
Strategic Petroleum Reserves: Maintains reserves via Bahrain Petroleum Company

Defense Production and Strategic Forces

Domestic Defense Production: Very limited
Military Installations (Domestic): Isa AB, Sitrah Naval Base
Military Installations (Overseas): None
Foreign Military Personnel Presence: U.S. 5th Fleet HQ, UK Naval Support Facility
Defense Alliances: GCC, bilateral with U.S., UK
Strategic Airlift Capability: Relies on U.S. and GCC partners
Wartime Industrial Surge Capacity: Minimal

Research and Industry Support