BANDAR SERI BEGAWAN: Sultan Hassanal Bolkiah consented to the establishment of the Special Operations Command as the Command and Control Centre that will coordinate special operations between the Royal Brunei Armed Forces (RBAF) Special Forces Regiment as the Tier 1 team and Tier 2 Special Teams in RBAF Units.
The monarch said this in a titah at the grand ceremony in conjunction with the RBAF 65th anniversary celebration at the Royal Brunei Air Force (RBAirF) base in Rimba Sunday (May 31).
“Alhamdulillah, the RBAF has achieved significant development, both in terms of its organisational size and its capabilities. In this regard, I take note of the launch of the Defence White Paper Update 2026 by the Ministry of Defence today,” His Majesty said.
The monarch added that it is a highly significant strategic step in ensuring that the nation’s defence policy and planning continue to be aligned with regional and global geopolitical developments.
In line with the strategic direction outlined through the Defence White Paper Update 2026 and the Force 2035 initiative, supported by key documents such as the Force Structure Review, Defence Posture, and Capability Development Plan, His Majesty noted that the RBAF will continue to grow with the establishment of several new units that will further enhance its credibility and capabilities.
“For the Royal Brunei Land Force, I have consented to the establishment of the Combined Arms Training Centre (PULGAT), which integrates all branches of training for operational competency under a single command,” His Majesty said.
In further strengthening interoperability, at the level of historic Joint Special Operations, His Majesty consented to the establishment of the Special Operations Command as a Command and Control Centre.
The centre, added His Majesty, will coordinate special operations between the Special Forces Regiment (RPK) of the RBAF as the Tier 1 Force, together with Tier 2 Special Forces units within the RBAF, namely the Commando Force of the Royal Brunei Land Force; the Maritime Special Task Squadron of the Royal Brunei Navy, and the Special Forces of the RBAirF, effective from May 31.
In line with a comprehensive defence approach, from the perspective of Defence Diplomacy, this year is particularly significant with the Golden Jubilee celebration of defence relations between the RBAF and the Singapore Armed Forces.
His Majesty said, “In this regard, I am pleased to note that several bilateral activities have been and will continue to be implemented in an integrated manner as the highlight of this occasion. At the same time, defence relations with other friendly nations, both near and far, should continue to be enhanced and strengthened.”
From the perspective of military capability, the RBAirF has recently received the final two C295MW transport aircraft, completing the acquisition of four aircraft in total, in conjunction with its upcoming Diamond Jubilee celebration.
At the end of this year, the Air Force will also receive the first batch of H-145M helicopters, which will replace the decommissioned Bolkow BO-105 aircraft, added the monarch.
Meanwhile, early next year, the Joint Force Headquarters of the RBAF is expected to commission the Command, Control, Communications, Computers, Intelligence, Surveillance, and Reconnaissance (C4ISR) system, which is currently undergoing active upgrades.
His Majesty said, “All these achievements would not have been possible without the dedication and strong commitment at all levels of leadership. I appreciate and take pride in these positive accomplishments.”
In this regard, His Majesty was also very pleased with the presence and involvement of veterans and the Royal Brunei Armed Forces Veterans Association, which clearly reflects their continued spirit and commitment in supporting the RBAF towards excellence.
His Majesty also extended congratulations on the occasion of the 65th anniversary of the RBAF to all personnel who are still serving and those who have retired, whether they are within the country or currently serving abroad. - Borneo Bulletin/ANN
