Bahrain, France deepen military ties with new defence agreement

PARIS – Bahrain and France have taken a significant step in strengthening their defence ties, signing a bilateral agreement that includes strategic information sharing and the exchange of military expertise. The deal, announced by the office of French President Emmanuel Macron on Friday, underscores the growing depth of relations between Paris and the Gulf kingdom and comes at a time of heightened regional geopolitical tensions.

The agreement goes beyond traditional arms deals, forming what French officials describe as a “political commitment” between the two nations. For Paris, Bahrain represents a strategic ally in the Gulf, while for Manama, France is a partner with both a veto right in certain international forums and advanced military capabilities. The pact sends a clear message to regional actors that Bahrain’s security is a key component of global stability.

The move also reflects Bahrain’s strategy to diversify its security partnerships. While the kingdom continues to host the US Fifth Fleet, opening defence collaboration with France offers broader flexibility and a multilateral security umbrella.

President Macron’s office said the agreement, signed during King Hamad bin Isa Al Khalifa’s visit to Paris last month, “will open new avenues for industrial cooperation in defence and strengthen solidarity between our two countries amid escalating global and regional geopolitical tensions.”

The pact is expected to enhance the capabilities of Bahrain’s armed forces by leveraging France’s advanced expertise, while also increasing the frequency of joint military exercises between the two countries’ naval and air forces.

Key provisions include strategic intelligence sharing on regional threats, cybersecurity and monitoring vital maritime routes. France will provide technical expertise for the maintenance and development of Bahrain’s defence systems, and the two sides will coordinate to secure key shipping lanes in the Arabian Gulf and the Gulf of Aden, mitigating risks such as piracy and smuggling.

The agreement is also expected to bolster maritime security in the Strait of Hormuz, where France plays a leading role in the European Maritime Awareness mission in the Strait of Hormuz (EMASoH) to ensure safe navigation. Analysts note that the pact represents a model for European-Gulf security integration and may pave the way for similar agreements with other Gulf states seeking to diversify their defence partnerships.