Pakistan, Bahrain move to expand Military Cooperation in AI, Drone Warfare

RAWALPINDI – Pakistan and Bahrain moved to strengthen their military partnership after a high-profile visit by Bahrain National Guard Commander General Shaikh Mohammed bin Isa Al Khalifa, who held extensive talks with Pakistan’s top military leadership in Rawalpindi. During his visit to General Headquarters (GHQ), Bahraini commander met Field Marshal Syed Asim Munir, where both sides reviewed regional security developments and explored new avenues for defence cooperation. The discussions reflected growing strategic convergence between the two countries amid evolving security challenges in the region. The visit went beyond traditional military diplomacy, with talks focusing on future warfare technologies, including drones, artificial intelligence and other advanced defence systems. Bahrain expressed a keen interest in expanding collaboration with Pakistan in military training, technology transfer and capacity-building initiatives, highlighting Islamabad’s growing profile as a defence and security partner. General Al Khalifa held separate meetings with Chief of the Naval Staff Admiral Naveed Ashraf and Chief of the Air Staff Air Chief Marshal Zaheer Ahmed Babar Sidhu. During the naval engagement, he lauded the Pakistan Navy’s role in safeguarding critical maritime routes and maintaining stability in regional waters, describing its contribution as vital to maritime security. At Air Headquarters, the Bahraini commander was briefed on the Pakistan Air Force’s modernization programme and efforts to enhance operational readiness. Discussions centred on emerging defence technologies and the changing nature of modern conflict, areas in which both countries see opportunities for closer cooperation. Expressing confidence in the professionalism and capabilities of Pakistan’s armed forces, the Bahraini military chief praised Pakistan’s contributions to regional peace and stability. His remarks underscored Bahrain’s growing interest in building stronger defence links with Islamab