DUBAI – His Royal Highness Prime Minister Prince Khalifa bin Salman AlKhalifa attended today the first flight in a warplane piloted by a Bahrainiwoman.
Flown by his Granddaughter Pilot Officer Shaikha Aisha bint Rashid AlKhalifa, the warplane, Hawk, took off today from Shaikh Isa Air Base toperform a one-hour flight in an unprecedented achievement for Bahrainiwomen.
HRH the Prime Minister was keen to follow the major event from take-off tolanding. He described it as a unique event and a remarkable accomplishmentthat embodies determination and the spirit of defiance of Bahraini women.It also reflects resolve to serve the nation and defend it in the mostdifficult areas.
Commander-in-Chief of Bahrain Defence Force (BDF) Field Marshal ShaikhKhalifa bin Ahmed Al Khalifa, who attended the event, said Shaikha Aishahad made an achievement in the history of the Royal Bahrain Air Force(RBAF).
HRH the Prime Minister congratulated Pilot Officer Shaikha Aisha bintRashid Al Khalifa on the success of her first flight in a military plane,taking pride in her being the first Bahraini woman to fly a military planein the history of RBAF. He lauded her strong determination to enter thishard field and become the first Bahraini woman to pilot a warplane aftersuccessfully completing hard training in military aviation and graduatingfrom the well-reputed British Royal Military Academy Sandhurst.
HRH the Premier praised BDF as a national edifice that is constantlybringing about multiple achievements thanks to the royal support. Hepointed out the development of BDF in all fields, including RBAF which, hesaid, has become a source of pride with its competencies and successfulregional participations. He affirmed that becoming part of BDF personnel isan honour for every citizen, pointing out the role of the BDF personnel inprotecting the nation and maintaining its security and stability. He alsounderlined the BDF’s key role in defending the Arab right and stoppinginterference in its affairs, protecting legitimacy and promoting regionalsecurity and stability.
Pilot Officer Shaikha Aisha bint Rashid Al Khalifa expressed heartfeltthanks and gratitude to HRH the Premier for his unlimited support, pledgingto exert more efforts to serve the nation under the leadership of HisMajesty King Hamad bin Isa Al Khalifa. She described her unprecedentedachievement as a dividend of the motivating climate provided by thegovernment for Bahraini women to take part and stand out in various domainsof national work.
HRH the Prime Minister received a book from RBAF Commander Air Vice-MarshalShaikh Hamad bin Abdullah Al Khalifa documenting RBAF history and thepioneering role of HM the King in upgrading its system.