Bahrain Sets Tough Penalties For Illegal Drone Use, Including Life Imprisonment

Bahrain has introduced stringent penalties for the illegal use of drones, including prison terms of up to seven years for offences that endanger airspace and life imprisonment for activities linked to terrorism or attacks on critical infrastructure.

 

The measures form part of amendments to the Kingdom’s civil aviation legislation, which tighten controls over the operation, possession, manufacture, import and sale of unmanned aircraft. The rules are intended to protect national security, public safety and individual privacy.

 

Under the amended law, operating a drone without the required licence, or in breach of applicable regulations, can result in imprisonment and a fine of up to 3,000 Bahraini dinars. Similar penalties may apply to unauthorised activities involving the design, manufacture, maintenance, testing, import, export or sale of drones and their components.

 

More serious offences carry heavier punishments. Using drones to threaten aviation safety, interfere with airspace or compromise communications systems can attract prison sentences of up to seven years. The legislation also criminalises hacking into drone systems, unlawfully taking control of aircraft and equipping drones with weapons or explosives.

 

Those who use drones for terrorist activities or to target military and security installations, oil facilities, critical infrastructure or other protected targets may face life imprisonment. Where such offences result in death, the courts may impose the death penalty or life imprisonment, subject to the applicable legal provisions.

 

The law also addresses the misuse of drones for surveillance and filming. Unauthorised recording of military operations, restricted areas or official events, as well as conduct that violates personal privacy, can attract imprisonment of up to five years and fines ranging from 2,000 to 5,000 Bahraini dinars in specified circumstances.

 

Authorities may also seize drones and related equipment used in committing offences. The sale, rental and modification of drones, including the installation of cameras and other equipment, are subject to the required approvals from the competent authorities.

 

The legislative changes also establish a Civil Aviation Authority with financial and administrative independence and provide for a dedicated office under the Cabinet to investigate aircraft accidents and serious incidents.

 

The tougher framework places greater responsibility on drone operators, manufacturers, sellers and other parties involved in the sector to comply with licensing and safety requirements. It also gives the authorities stronger powers to respond to unauthorised flights and operations that threaten the Kingdom’s airspace or security.