Duke of York inaugurates BAE Systems' first Bahrain office

The office is the international systems, defence and commercial aerospace company's first in Bahrain.

It has been established to support all BAE Systems activities in the Kingdom, including the contract awarded by the Bahrain Defence Force, for the establishment of its indigenous Flying Training School.

The contract forms the final part of a four-phase approach to flying training, comprising pilot selection, basic flying training in Slingsby Firefly aircraft, synthetics and simulation, ultimately leading to Hawk advanced jet flying training.

During his visit to the BAE Systems' office Prince Andrew unveiled a plaque commemorating the event. Also attending were Robin Lamb, Britain's Ambassador to the Kingdom, Simon Keith, Managing Director, BAE Systems Middle East, Mike Gavin, Executive Vice President, BAE Systems Middle East, Mark Simpkins, Director, BAE Systems Bahrain and senior representatives of the Bahrain Defence Force.

'This office further underlines the strong commitment of BAE Systems to the Kingdom of Bahrain and will have a key role in the smooth implementation of the contract for the supply of Hawk Advanced Jet Training aircraft and the provision of a complete indigenous flying school in the Kingdom,' said Keith.

In 2003, BAE Systems appointed Mark Simpkins as its first Bahrain-based General Manager.