The Ministry of Defence celebrates four decades, symbolising Brunei’s modernisation and sovereignty
The year 2024 marks a significant milestone for the Ministry of Defence (MinDef). Marking four decades since its official establishment, it serves as a milestone of progress in government administration, particularly in matters of security
and safety.
The ministry symbolises Brunei’s modernisation as an independent and sovereign nation, safeguarding security and defence without external interference.
Minister at the Prime Minister’s Office and Minister of Defence II Yang Berhormat Pehin Datu Lailaraja Major General (Rtd) Dato Paduka Seri Haji Awang Halbi bin Haji Mohd Yussof shared this at the 20th session of the Legislative Council (LegCo) meeting tabling the MinDef budget for the 2024-2025 financial year.
“The momentous 40-year milestone of the Ministry of Defence also signifies that the nation’s defence organisation has reached a level of maturity. Beyond this maturity, the ministry aims to maintain best practices, embrace openness to positive change, and target activities geared towards improvement, enhancement, and renewal in critical and prioritised aspects,” said the minister.
The MinDef, as per the minister, will consistently evaluate the military sector, considering factors like technology adoption, skilled workforce utilisation, financial implications and return on investment. This prioritisation will be highlighted, often through the Defence White Paper publication.
In light of increasingly complex challenges like geopolitical turmoil, public health threats, post-COVID economic shifts, climate change and rapid tech advancements, a transparent and robust defence strategy is crucial.
OPERATIONAL AND INFRASTRUCTURE ADVANCEMENTS
The MinDef, aware of the Sultanate’s history, remains committed to defending sovereignty, upholding the constitution and the Malay Islamic Monarchy philosophy.
Through this commitment, it aims to establish the Royal Brunei Armed Forces (RBAF) as a formidable armed forces and a reliable partner, ensuring the nation’s interests and the populace’s well-being are safeguarded in the face of
evolving threats.
The 2021 Defence White Paper, themed ‘Defending the Nation’s Sovereignty: A Secure and Resilient Future’, remains the MinDef’s blueprint to bolster the RBAF’s capacity and resilience in assets and personnel quality.
Brunei’s defence strategy centres on three pillars: Deterrence and Response, Defence Diplomacy and Holistic Defence.
Strengthening capabilities through asset acquisition, maintenance and upgrading is vital for deterring security threats, with efforts focused on enhancing intelligence, surveillance, acquisition, targeting, and reconnaissance capabilities (ISTAR). The ministry and RBAF are actively advancing a new operational system and an Unmanned Aerial System (UAS) launched in May 2022.
The focus on maritime defence has seen recent acquisitions, including two Royal Brunei Navy patrol vessels: KDB As-Siddiq and KDB Al-Faruq. Efforts are underway to enhance underwater threat detection capabilities for safeguarding territorial waters.
Additionally, the MinDef continually reviews and researches to strengthen resilience, aligning with Force 2035 and the Force Structure Review.
The Defence Capability Committee oversees infrastructure planning to ensure long-term asset suitability through a transparent acquisition process.
Addressing outdated military equipment is a priority, with steps taken for replacement, upgrades and life extension programmes. This phased approach ensures optimal readiness before transitioning to new acquisitions.
Under the 12th National Development Plan (RKN 12), several capacity-building projects and defence infrastructure will be prioritised. These projects will be phased in alignment with the RBAF development to ensure long-term utilisation. Continuous maintenance must also be factored into future financial allocations for the ministry.
ENHANCING DEFENCE DIPLOMACY
According to the minister, the MinDef will steadfastly support Brunei’s policy of fostering friendly relations through bilateral and multilateral cooperation, promoting mutual respect and peaceful coexistence.
Defence diplomacy will remain a crucial pillar to address rapid regional and global changes, foster understanding among nations and promote regional and global prosperity and stability.
In celebrating four decades of diplomatic ties with friendly nations, the ministry will diversify and enhance defence cooperation in quantity and quality, considering engagements beyond the region to promote Brunei’s interests.
The RBAF stand ready to contribute to regional and international safety and interests as directed, with pride in their involvement in peacekeeping missions and humanitarian efforts.
The participation in initiatives like the United Nations Interim Force in Lebanon (UNIFIL) mission and the Independent Decommissioning Body Verification, Monitoring, and Assistance Team (IDBVMAT) in the Philippines demonstrates Brunei’s commitment to global peace.
Additionally, deployments to strategic centres in Singapore, including the Information Fusion Centre (IFC), Counter-Terrorism Information Facility (CTIF), and Changi Regional HADR Coordination Centre (RHCC), further contribute to regional and international security, reinforcing Brunei’s reputation as a professional military force.
While these deployments require substantial financial investment, the intangible benefits, such as positive reciprocal gestures from friendly nations, highlight the effectiveness of defence diplomacy. Participation in courses and exercises facilitated by Brunei’s defence institutions further solidifies diplomatic relations.
These efforts will be continually enhanced to serve as a catalyst for more robust and effective defence diplomacy measures.
Efforts to enhance training infrastructure aim to provide a conducive learning environment for quality training and courses. Support from friendly nations in ASEAN and beyond, especially evident during the RBAF anniversary, underscores close defence cooperation.
Recognising defence as a pillar of national security, internal initiatives aim to raise awareness and foster a security culture across all levels of the MinDef, civilian and military alike.
SECURITY UPGRADES
This year, numerous security enhancement projects have been undertaken across ministries and RBAF camps.
Initiatives include implementing Smart Card technology and upgrading closed-circuit television camera (CCTV) and access control systems to bolster security.
To realise Brunei Vision 2035, the minister shared the MinDef priorities personnel well-being and career development, ensuring competent leadership and skilled manpower.
Measures include housing provision, career advancement opportunities and succession planning based on merit.
This ensures administrative efficiency and a new generation of competent leaders. The RBAF also adapts its training to produce skilled personnel aligned with its development goals.
EDUCATION COLLABORATION
The RBAF, shared the minister further, has established the Faculty of Military Studies through the Defence Academy in collaboration with Universiti Brunei Darussalam (UBD), which aims to promote lifelong learning in professional military education.
“This approach indirectly supports the national aspiration to generate an educated, highly skilled, and successful population, while strengthening defence diplomacy efforts through the participation of military officers from friendly nations,” said the minister.
In line with the holistic defence concept, the ministry continues to practice a whole-of-ministry approach, synergising military and civilian efforts by constantly updating policies and processes to streamline tasks and initiatives both within and outside the ministry. This fosters a united spirit among civilian and military personnel, enhancing defence management, preparing the ministry to collaborate with all sectors. – Rokiah Mahmud
