(Bandar Seri Begawan, 6th) His Majesty the Sultan of Brunei stated that the Royal Brunei Armed Forces (RBAF) have achieved significant development and accomplishments in both organizational scale and combat capability.
The Sultan, in his royal speech delivered at the Royal Brunei Air Force Base parade ground during the 65th anniversary celebration of the Royal Air Force, pointed out that the Ministry of Defence released the "2026 Updated National Defence White Paper" on the same day. This is an important strategic move to ensure that the national defense policy and planning continually adapt to regional and global geopolitical developments.
His Majesty noted that under the strategic direction outlined in the "2026 Updated National Defence White Paper" and the "2035 Forces Concept," with support from key documents such as the "Force Structure Review" and the "Defense Posture and Capability Development Plan," the Royal Brunei Armed Forces will continue to grow and establish several new units to further enhance the force’s reputation and operational capabilities.
"I have approved the establishment of a Combined Operations Training Center (CUTC) for the Royal Brunei Land Forces, integrating all the army's operational capability training departments under a single command structure."
His Majesty also announced that, in order to further strengthen interoperability among the different military branches, approval has been given for the establishment of a Special Operations Command as a command and control center to coordinate special operations conducted by the Royal Brunei Land Forces' Special Forces Regiment (RPK) and the secondary special forces units of each military branch.
These units include the Royal Brunei Land Forces Assault Team, the Royal Brunei Navy Maritime Special Operations Squadron, and the Royal Brunei Armed Forces Special Forces. The relevant orders take effect immediately.
Regarding comprehensive defense policy, His Majesty pointed out that this year marks the 50th anniversary of the founding of the Royal Brunei Land Forces, which is especially significant, particularly in light of the longstanding defense cooperation between Brunei and the Singapore Armed Forces.
His Majesty is pleased to see that the Royal Brunei Armed Forces and the Singapore Armed Forces continue to conduct multiple bilateral military activities in an integrated manner and further deepen collaboration through joint exercises and training.
At the same time, His Majesty also called for continued strengthening and deepening of defense relations with regional neighbors and other friendly countries.
On the development of military equipment, His Majesty stated that the Royal Brunei Air Force recently received the final two C295MW transport aircraft, bringing the total fleet to four, just in time for the Royal Air Force’s 60th diamond jubilee later this June.
In addition, the Royal Air Force is expected to receive its first batch of H-145M helicopters by the end of this year to replace the retired Bölkow BO105 helicopters, thereby further enhancing aerial combat and support capabilities.
His Majesty also revealed that the Royal Brunei Armed Forces Joint Command Headquarters is expected to put into use, early next year, the currently upgraded Command, Control, Communications, Computers, Intelligence, Surveillance, and Reconnaissance (C4-ISR) systems, to strengthen the overall joint operational capability and modernization of national defense.
His Majesty noted that under the strategic direction outlined in the "2026 Updated National Defence White Paper" and the "2035 Forces Concept," with support from key documents such as the "Force Structure Review" and the "Defense Posture and Capability Development Plan," the Royal Brunei Armed Forces will continue to grow and establish several new units to further enhance the force’s reputation and operational capabilities.
"I have approved the establishment of a Combined Operations Training Center (CUTC) for the Royal Brunei Land Forces, integrating all the army's operational capability training departments under a single command structure."
His Majesty also announced that, in order to further strengthen interoperability among the different military branches, approval has been given for the establishment of a Special Operations Command as a command and control center to coordinate special operations conducted by the Royal Brunei Land Forces' Special Forces Regiment (RPK) and the secondary special forces units of each military branch.
These units include the Royal Brunei Land Forces Assault Team, the Royal Brunei Navy Maritime Special Operations Squadron, and the Royal Brunei Armed Forces Special Forces. The relevant orders take effect immediately.
Regarding comprehensive defense policy, His Majesty pointed out that this year marks the 50th anniversary of the founding of the Royal Brunei Land Forces, which is especially significant, particularly in light of the longstanding defense cooperation between Brunei and the Singapore Armed Forces.
His Majesty is pleased to see that the Royal Brunei Armed Forces and the Singapore Armed Forces continue to conduct multiple bilateral military activities in an integrated manner and further deepen collaboration through joint exercises and training.
At the same time, His Majesty also called for continued strengthening and deepening of defense relations with regional neighbors and other friendly countries.
On the development of military equipment, His Majesty stated that the Royal Brunei Air Force recently received the final two C295MW transport aircraft, bringing the total fleet to four, just in time for the Royal Air Force’s 60th diamond jubilee later this June.
In addition, the Royal Air Force is expected to receive its first batch of H-145M helicopters by the end of this year to replace the retired Bölkow BO105 helicopters, thereby further enhancing aerial combat and support capabilities.
His Majesty also revealed that the Royal Brunei Armed Forces Joint Command Headquarters is expected to put into use, early next year, the currently upgraded Command, Control, Communications, Computers, Intelligence, Surveillance, and Reconnaissance (C4-ISR) systems, to strengthen the overall joint operational capability and modernization of national defense.