The Royal Brunei Armed Forces (RBAF) will receive six Airbus H145M helicopters after a contract was signed between the government and Airbus Helicopters SAS at Bolkiah Garrison yesterday.
According to the Ministry of Defence (MinDef), the Airbus H145M helicopter is a multi-role aircraft currently operated by more than 34 countries and will significantly enhance the RBAF’s operational capabilities for close air support, aerial observation and various other operations.
All six new helicopters will be gradually introduced into service from 2026.
The helicopters are replacements for the fleet of Bolkow BO105 helicopters which were retired from service.
Permanent Secretary at the MinDef Brigadier General (Rtd) Dato Seri Pahlawan Haji Alirupendi bin Haji Perudin and Airbus Helicopters SAS Vice President and Head of Sales, Strategy and Marketing (Asia-Pacific) Fabrice Rochereau signed the contract.
Minister at the Prime Minister’s Office and Minister of Defence II Pehin Datu Lailaraja Major General (Rtd) Dato Paduka Seri Haji Awang Halbi bin Haji Mohd Yussof witnessed the signing.
RBAF Commander Major General Dato Paduka Seri Haji Muhammad Haszaimi bin Bol Hassan, service commanders, acting joint force commander, deputy permanent secretary, directors and senior officers from MinDef also attended. – James Kon
