The Solidarity Jump featured at the 63rd anniversary celebration of the Royal Brunei Armed Forces (RBAF) yesterday marked a milestone for the RBAF.
Armed forces from 11 nations – Australia, Bahrain, Jordan, Malaysia, Pakistan, Indonesia, the Philippines, Singapore, South Korea, Thailand and United Kingdom (UK) – participated in the showcase, serving as a platform to share experiences and strengthen defence diplomacy.
The special forces’ parachutists, along with nine parachutists from the Special Forces Regiment at the RBAF and personnel from the 31st Squadron of the Parachute Airborne Tactical Delivery Unit (PATDU) at the Royal Brunei Air Force (RBAirF) leaped from the RBAF C295MW aircraft at an altitude of 10,000 feet and descended on Penanjong Garrison’s football field.
Ambassador of South Korea to Brunei Darussalam Kim Soung-eun gave a nod to South Korea’s 707 Special Forces Unit for their participation in the celebration.
“According to the members, they grew close during the daily parachute training. We hope for enhanced defence cooperation between our countries, building on the memorandum of understanding in 2018 on defence cooperation.”
Singapore High Commissioner to Brunei Darussalam Laurence Bay Siow Hon said they were honoured to participate in the multi-national parachute jump, adding that it reflects the defence ties between the two armed forces.
Meanwhile, Thai Ambassador to Brunei Darussalam Boosara Kanchanalai congratulated the RBAF on its anniversary. She said three experienced officers from the Royal Thai Army Special Warfare Command trained with international paratroopers to showcase strength, unity and friendship before His Majesty Sultan Haji Hassanal Bolkiah Mu’izzaddin Waddaulah ibni Al-Marhum Sultan Haji Omar ‘Ali Saifuddien Sa’adul Khairi Waddien, Sultan and Yang Di-Pertuan of Brunei Darussalam and members of the royal family.
Indonesian Ambassador to Brunei Darussalam Dr Achmad Ubaedillah said the participation of Indonesian Armed Forces (TNI) signifies the strong bonds between the two nations’ armed forces. He added that participating in the celebration has strengthened the relations between Indonesia and Brunei and looks forward to continued cooperation.
Australian High Commissioner to Brunei Darussalam Luke Arnold extended gratitude on behalf of Australia for the opportunity to participate in the Solidarity Jump.
He also said the delegation from Australian’s Special Operations Command rehearsed with their international counterparts in the past week.
British High Commissioner to Brunei Darussalam John Virgoe noted the long-standing UK Brunei bilateral defence relations, which is a highly-valued area of cooperation between the two countries.
Pakistani’s High Commissioner to Brunei Darussalam Major General (Rtd) Farhat Abbas Sani meanwhile said the Pakistanis are proud of His Majesty, who is the Honorary Colonel of the Regiment of Special Forces.
“I would like to express my sincere gratitude to His Majesty’s Government for inviting paratroopers from Pakistan to participate in the Solidarity Jump to commemorate the RBAF’s 63rd anniversary and 40th anniversary of diplomatic relations between the Sultanate and Pakistan.”
Charge d’Affaires at the Malaysian Embassy in Brunei Darussalam Ezira Mahadi said it was an honour and privilege for the Malaysian Special Forces to participate in the Solidarity Jump.
She believes the event enhanced interoperability and professional linkages between armed forces of the two countries. – Lyna Mohamad
