| Royal Brunei Armed Forces | |
|---|---|
| Angkatan Bersenjata Diraja Brunei راويال بروناي آرميد فوس | |
 Royal Brunei Armed Forces badge | |
 Brunei Darussalam ensign | |
| Founded | 31 May 1961; 64 years ago (1961-05-31), as Brunei Malay Regiment[1] |
| Current form | 1 January 1984; 42 years ago (1984-01-01)[1] |
| Service branches |  Royal Brunei Land Force Royal Brunei Navy Royal Brunei Air Force |
| Headquarters | Bolkiah Garrison,Bandar Seri Begawan,Berakas 'A',BB3510,Brunei Darussalam[2] |
| Website | MinDef.gov.bn |
| Leadership | |
| Supreme Commander |  Hassanal Bolkiah |
| Minister of Defence |  Hassanal Bolkiah |
| Commander Deputy Commander | Major GeneralHaszaimi Bol HassanBrigadier General (U)Mohammad Sharif Ibrahim |
| Armed Forces Sergeant Major | Warrant Officer 1Rozain Pungut[3] |
| Personnel | |
| Military age | 18 |
| Conscription | no |
| Active personnel | 7,200[4] |
| Reserve personnel | 10,000[4] |
| Expenditure | |
| Budget | B$796.3 million $594 million (FY 2024/2025)[5] |
| Percent of GDP | 3.56% (2024) |
| Related articles | |
| Ranks | Military ranks of Brunei |
TheRoyal Brunei Armed Forces (RBAF);Malay:Angkatan Bersenjata Diraja Brunei (ABDB),Jawi:رايول بروناي آرميد فوس,[1] is the official organisation and collective term for all of themilitary forces or service branches of thesultanate ofBrunei Darussalam.[6] The RBAF consists of three primarymilitary branches; theRoyal Brunei Land Force (RBLF / TDDB), theRoyal Brunei Navy (RBN / TLDB), and theRoyal Brunei Air Force (RBAirF / TUDB).
Thesupreme commander of the RBAF is held by theSultan of Brunei, currentlySultan Hassanal Bolkiah, holding the rank offield marshal. Its professional head is known as theCommander of the Royal Brunei Armed Forces, holding the rank ofmajor general, its incumbent isHaszaimi Bol Hassan. The RBAF are controlled and managed by theMinistry of Defence Brunei Darussalam (MinDef), from their headquarters withinBolkiah Garrison.
The forerunner to the RBAF, the Brunei Malay Regiment, was formed on 31 May 1961; 64 years ago (1961-05-31),[1] withBritishmilitary support, and has continued to include officers on loan from the British military.[7] 31 May is annually marked asArmed Forces Day.[8]
The forerunner to the Royal Brunei Armed Forces was originally called theBrunei Malay Regiment (BMR),Malay:Askar Melayu Brunei (AMB),Jawi:بروناي ملايو ريجيمن.[1] It faced a significant challenge during its establishment, due to theBrunei revolt on the night of 7–8 December 1962. This uprising highlighted the need for stronger national security, prompting the government to expedite the development of a more robust defence force. Despite this urgency, the trained Brunei Malay Regiment members were restricted to their camp during the insurrection,[why?] missing the chance to prove their effectiveness. In response, the United Kingdom deployed its own forces, including theGurkhas, to Brunei Darussalam.[9]
Brunei Malay Regiment personnel continued their training in theFederation of Malaya during 1963 without issues. MalayaDeputy Prime MinisterTun Abdul Razak hoped Brunei Darussalam would send more soldiers, enough to form abattalion. Recruitment for additional enlisted soldiers, aged 18 to 25, took place in May, and Brunei Darussalam also called for volunteers forshort-service commissions in December. Selected candidates from Segenting Camp atPort Dickson underwent a six-weekofficer cadet training programme at theFederation Military College inSungai Besi. By the end of 1963, the regiment's strength had reached 410 personnel. When Brunei Darussalam declined an invitation to join the Federation of Malaya in August 1963, Malaya withdrew its personnel from Brunei Darussalam, affecting the capability of the Brunei Malay Regiment. Additionally, the abrupt withdrawal from Malayan training sites also posed some issues for Brunei Darussalam, although backup plans were in place.[9]
By early 1964, it became clear that theRoyal Malay Regiment could no longer provide officers, trainers, or services for Brunei Darussalam. Despite this, the initial phase of Brunei'sBerakas Camp was nearly complete.Lieutenant Colonel D.M. Fletcher replaced the Malayancommanding officer of the Brunei Malay Regiment.British Army troops onsecondment filled theadjutant (Adj) andregimental sergeant major (RSM) positions. On 2 May 1964, the Brunei Malay Regiment moved from Segenting Camp to their new permanent headquarters at Berakas Camp. By the end of the year, the Brunei Malay Regiment was ready to take on many internal security duties previously handled byBritish Forces Brunei (BFB) personnel. Although specific details were not disclosed,Major General Dato Walter confirmed on 11 July 1964, that the Brunei Malay Regiment was now operational within the state. Mid-year, the Sultan named the new encampmentBolkiah Camp, designed to house the Brigade Headquarters, support troops, and accommodate 700 to 800 personnel.[9]
In 1965, the Brunei Malay Regiment was further strengthened, and officially became theRoyal Brunei Malay Regiment (RBMR),Malay:Askar Melayu Diraja Brunei (AMDB),Jawi:رجمنت مالاى برونائى رويال. On 31 May 1965, the Sultan bestowed the title 'Royal' (Diraja) at its fourth-anniversary parade. The Royal Brunei Malay Regiment's expansion continued in 1966, despite Malaysia's temporary halt in providing military training to Brunei Darussalam. However, riflecompanies did train inKota Belud in February and March. During the regiment's fifth-anniversary celebrations in Brunei Darussalam, it waspresented with the Royal Colours, which remained until 31 May 1971, when they were revised. Around this time, British officers began transferring some of their duties to local officers, withCaptain Mohammad being appointed asAdjutant. In October, soldiers from the regiment's number 6 and 9platoons conducted small-scale operations in Bukit Belalong,Temburong District, capturing fourNorth Kalimantan National Army (TNKU) members who had infiltrated fromSarawak. The following year, on 18 April, the Sultan honoured several troops, includingSecond Lieutenant Musa and Second Lieutenant Hussien, at an investiture ceremony atIstana Darul Hana.[9]
In 1967, theheadgearemblem andshoulder titles of the Royal Brunei Malay Regiment were updated from black and white backgrounds to new green and gold colours. Operational dress code changes included adopting theolive green (OG) shirt and trousers design from theBritish Army, with flashes worn on jungle helmets instead of company colours. A new advancement policy for Brunei Darussalamcommissioned officers, modelled after the British Army system, was implemented. Three local officers,Captain Sulaiman,Captain Awangku Ibnu, and Captain Mohammad, attended a three-month advanced course in small arms and tactics at theSchool of Infantry inWarminster, Wiltshire, England. Upon completion, they were to attach to an infantry brigade in England, and then spend a month each with three differentBritish Army of the Rhine (BAOR) battalions inWest Germany.[9]
On 7 April 1969, the Royal Brunei Malay Regiment established a Training Wing, marking the beginning of significant growth. By the end of the year, the regiment had reorganised and expanded to 928 soldiers.Bolkiah Camp became home to an independent training facility, with administrative components ofBerakas Camp combined under a new headquarters wing. A trial army cadet programme insecondary schools was introduced, turning these schools into a source of prospective recruits. On the regiment's fourteenth anniversary, the 2nd Battalion Royal Brunei Malay Regiment (2Bn RBMR) was formed after nearly two years of training. In 1976, a major recruiting campaign was launched to fill the ranks of the specialisedGurkha Reserve Unit (GRU); created from former British Gurkha troops. Additionally, in 1981, the Women's Company (Malay:Kompeni Askar Wanita, literally 'Women's Soldier Company') of the Royal Brunei Malay Regiment was established, withPengiran Isteri Hajah Mariam serving as itsColonel-in-Chief.[9]
Due to Britain's planned military withdrawal, Brunei Darussalam's defence strategies evolved significantly from 1979 to 1984, leading up to itsindependence from the United Kingdom (Brunei Darussalam then became a member of theBritish Commonwealth in 1984[10]). The British withdrawal was scheduled for 1979, marking a critical juncture with the signing of the 1979 Treaty of Friendship and Cooperation between Brunei Darussalam and the United Kingdom. In response, Brunei Darussalam accelerated the acquisition of advanced military weaponry, and increased military spending to strengthen the Royal Brunei Malay Regiment and prepare it for independence from British rule.[9]
On 1 January 1984; 42 years ago (1984-01-01), the Royal Brunei Malay Regiment officially adopted its now current name, theRoyal Brunei Armed Forces (RBAF),Malay:Angkatan Bersenjata Diraja Brunei (ABDB),Jawi:رايول بروناي آرميد فوس, coinciding with Brunei's independence from the United Kingdom. Brunei Darussalam reorganised itsmilitary administration andbureaucracy, placing oversight of the defence system under theMinistry of Defence Brunei Darussalam (MinDef). By 1984, the Royal Brunei Armed Forces comprised 3,900 enlisted ranks personnel, an increase of 400 from 1982. The RBAF unified its land, sea, and air forces into a single, cohesive management organisation. The RBAF's training and support services included theWomen's Company, the Training Centre, Medical and Dental Services, the Logistics Depot, the Procurement Branch, Engineer Workshops, the Provost Unit, the Fire Service, and the RBAF band. In 1987, the establishment of theRoyal Brunei Malay Reserve Regiment (RBMRU / ASMDB) significantly bolstered personnel numbers.[9]
In the late 1990s,defence spending in Brunei Darussalam declined from its previous peak levels, but stabilised at around 3% ofgross domestic product (GDP). As of 1 October 1991, the Royal Brunei Armed Forces was structured into five major formations; three traditional combat military branches (army, navy, and air force), and two military support units, those being: theRoyal Brunei Land Force (RBLF), theRoyal Brunei Navy (RBN), and theRoyal Brunei Air Force (RBAirF), together with the RBAF Support Services (RBAF SS), and theTraining Institute RBAF (TI RBAF). By the fiscal year ending in March 2002, Brunei Darussalam had spentB$1.5 billion (US$870 million) onBritish-made weapons, making it the second-largest buyer of such weapons outside theMiddle East, and spending nearly five times more than Malaysia. In May 2001, the Royal Brunei Armed Forces introduced its mission statement, 'Vision in the 21st Century', coinciding with the 40th anniversary of its formation. Despite having only around 5,000 soldiers, Brunei Darussalam's defence spending remained disproportionately high at the beginning of the millennium.[9]
Overseen byJoint Force Headquarters, Royal Brunei Armed Forces (JFHQ RBAF;Malay:Markas Angkatan Bersama, Angkatan Bersenjata Diraja Brunei), headquartered atBolkiah Garrison,[2] the RBAF consists of three primaryservice branches operating within the sovereign nation of Brunei Darussalam.[6]
TheRoyal Brunei Land Force (RBLF),Tentera Darat Diraja Brunei (TDDB),رويال بروناي لاند فورس, is abrigade-sizedarmy formation. Headquartered atBerakas Garrison,[2] it consists of three operationalbattalions (First Battalion RBLF, Second Battalion RBLF, and Third Battalion RBLF), along with a fourth Support Battalion RBLF. The role of the Royal Brunei Land Force is to maintain the security of Brunei Darussalam, and to defend thesovereignty of the country. Its main responsibility is to oppose any threat from within or outside the country, and to maintain peace and security in the country.[11] The Royal Brunei Land Force is the largest of the three armed service branches of Brunei Darussalam.
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TheRoyal Brunei Navy (RBN),Tentera Laut Diraja Brunei (TLDB),رايل بروناي نافي, is thenaval defence force of Brunei Darussalam. It is a small, but relatively well-equipped maritime force, whose main responsibility is to conductsearch and rescue (SAR) missions, and to deter and defend the Bruneiansovereign waters against attack mounted by sea-borne forces.[12] Headquartered atMuara Naval Base,[2] as of 2023[update], the Royal Brunei Navy has an operational inventory of twentyships or similar surface vessels; the RBN does not operate anysubmarines orsubmersibles.
TheRoyal Brunei Air Force (RBAirF),Tentera Udara Diraja Brunei (TUDB),رويال بروناي اير فورس, is a small, primarilyrotary-wing aircraft-basedair force, which is tasked with supporting the other branches of the armed services, defending Bruneianair space, and carrying outsearch and rescue (SAR) operations. It was originally created in 1965, as the Air Wing of the Royal Brunei Malay Regiment (RBMR / AMDB), and was established as an independent air force on 1 October 1991. Headquartered and stationed atRoyal Brunei Air Force Base, Rimba,[2] the RBAirF main inventory consists of a range of helicopters; formerly tenBell 212, fourSikorsky S-70A-14 (now transferred as a gift to theRoyal Malaysian Air Force), and a solitaryBell 214ST. The Bell 212 and S-70A-14 aircraft were replaced between 2013 and 2015 by twelve Poland-manufacturedSikorsky S-70i Blackhawk.[13][14] TwoBell 206 helicopters are used for rotary-wing training.[14]
In 2023, the Royal Brunei Air Forcefixed-wing inventory was limited to four Swiss-builtPilatus PC-7 Mk.II turboprop tandem-seat training aircraft (three of which are also used by theAlap-Alap Formation aerobatic display team), and a solitary Indonesian-builtIPTN CN 235-110M (TUDB 501) aerial troop and cargo transport aircraft.[15] On 14 July2014, theCommander of the Royal Brunei Armed Forces announced plans to order theLockheed Martin C-130J Super Hercules in the near future,[16] though this never materialised. Subsequently, an order for four newAirbus C295MW was placed in December 2022 with European manufacturerAirbus Defence and Space;[5][17] the first being accepted in December 2023, and the first two (TUDB 502 andTUDB 503) arriving at Rimba in January 2024.[18][19] As of January 2024[update], the Royal Brunei Air Force operates twenty-two mannedaircraft[14] and fourunmanned aerial vehicles (UAV).
The former Support Services of the Royal Brunei Armed Forces (SS RBAF) had the responsibility of providing support services to units within the RBAF, in all aspects pertaining to theiradministration, security,health,logistics,communication,transportation, and technical equipment service support. The SS RBAF also worked closely with other units of all service branches in the Royal Brunei Armed Forces to undergo and help co-ordinatemilitary training and operations. As part of the reorganisation of the entire Royal Brunei Armed Forces, the Support Services was disbanded in early 2009, and its various units were relocated.[20]
The Royal Brunei Armed Forces Band (RBAF Band) was established on 31 May 1962, atPort Dickson in Malaysia. It originally had twenty-one members, and was then badged as the regimental band of the Brunei Malay Regiment. On 1 January 1984, Major Haji Manaf bin Kamis became the first local musician to be appointed Director of Music. Kamis was the judge at a competition which chose the official anthem ofASEAN. Since 2003, the band has been led by Major Jaya bin Metussin. Along with its official military engagements, it has participated in events such as theEdinburgh Military Tattoo, the Brunei Darussalam International Tattoo, and theBerlin Military Music Festival.[21] The RBAF Band first participated in theHari Merdeka celebrations and the Kuala Lumpur International Tattoo inMalaysia in 2007, and has since become a regular participant.[22]
The 2nd and 3rd Battalion Royal Brunei Land Force Pipes and Drums are also part of the larger RBAF Band, and are modelled on those of the British ArmyBrigade of Gurkhas, which has a battalion stationed in rotation in Brunei Darussalam. Bands are also maintained in the Royal Brunei Navy and the Royal Brunei Air Force.[23]
Affiliated to the RBAF Band is the Band of the Armed Forces Military Cadet Corps.
The Royal Brunei Armed Forces and its three service branches is supported by two permanent training establishments. Each service branch also have their own specialist training schools.[24]
The Training Institute Royal Brunei Armed Forces (TI RBAF),Institut Latihan Angkatan Bersenjata Diraja Brunei (IL ABDB), is also known as the Military Training Institution. It is headquartered at and based withinPenanjong Garrison, atPekan Tutong in theTutong District, TA2741, Brunei Darussalam.[2] The TI RBAF conducts basicmilitary training to all new recruits to the Royal Brunei Armed Forces (for all service branches). Other military courses are also offered and conducted in the institution to personnel of the Royal Brunei Armed Forces.[25]
The Royal Brunei Armed Forces Defence Academy (RBAF DA),Akademi Pertahanan Angkatan Bersenjata Diraja Brunei (AP ABDB), is headquartered and located atKampong Tanah Jambu,Mentiri, in theBrunei-Muara District, BU1129, Brunei Darussalam.[2] It providesinitial officer training (IOT) to all prospective persons seeking to be a commissioned officer in the Royal Brunei Armed Forces (including its three service branches). The Defence Academy also offersstaff officer courses, along with seminars and further learning to commissioned officers who have been promoted to senior officer ranks.
OnlyBruneian citizens of the Malay ethnicity (Bumiputera) are allowed toenlist in the Royal Brunei Armed Forces.[26] The Malay ethnicity comprises theBelait,Bisaya,Brunei,Dusun,Kedayan,Murut, andTutong indigenous races, as defined in the 1959Constitution of Brunei Darussalam.[27][28] Military service is not compulsory for any segment of the population; there is noconscription, it is entirely voluntary. Bothwomen and men work equally in the Bruneian military.[29]
There are two separate types of uniformed youth cadet in Brunei Darussalam which are linked or affiliated to the Royal Brunei Armed Forces; both with seemingly similar names.
The Royal Brunei Armed Forces (RBAF) Military Cadet should not be confused with the RBAF Military Cadets of Higher Institutions (not officially members, from theUniversity Islam Sultan Sharif Ali (UNISSA),University Brunei Darussalam (UBD),Institute Technology Brunei (ITB), andBrunei Polytechnic (PB)) despite sharing the same name. The two are visually identified by the uniforms they wear; the higher institutions wear the olderdisruptive pattern material (DMP) woodland camouflage, while the official Military Cadets wear the newermulti-scale digital camouflage.[30]
The Women's Company (PAW)[31] was founded on 29 June 1981, to commemorate the Royal Brunei Armed Forces' 20th anniversary. One civilian clerk and fivefemale loan service employees from theBritish Army were initially involved. There were twenty-eight women in the inaugural intake; six of them were officer cadets, and the other twenty-two were enlisted recruits. The twenty-two recruits received training at the Women's Company Training Centre,Bolkiah Garrison, conducted by officers from theWomen's Royal Army Corps (WRAC) and multiple Royal Brunei Armed Forces male instructors, while the officer cadets were sent to the Woman's Royal Army Corps College inCamberley, Surrey, United Kingdom, for an eight-month course. Five of the six officer cadets in this ground-breaking class completed their military education, and were commissioned assecond lieutenants. These officers served as Recruit Platoon Officers in the Women's Company Headquarters of theRoyal Australian Air Force (RAAF).[32]
The female cadets received instruction in fundamentals such as physical endurance, small weapons training, yearly shooting drills, and parade drill. The course also covered courses on parachute jumping inSingapore, counselling and guidance at Universiti Brunei Darussalam, air technician andmap reading instructor courses in the United Kingdom,dental technician courses inAustralia andMalaysia, midwifery and medical orderly courses inHong Kong and Singapore, signals and navigation courses, physical training instructor courses in the United Kingdom, driving, cooking, logistics, and storekeeping courses, as well as information technology courses.[32]
Within the Royal Brunei Armed Forces, the trainedfemale soldiers held a variety of positions; including those of engineers, instructors, legal officers, intelligence officers, information technology specialists, administrators, and financial officers. They also worked as radio and telex operators, cooks, store assistants, medical and dental orderlies, safety harness fitters, and radar plotters. Increasing the number of ranks for women allowed for the discharge of more male troops for front-line work. Women's Company took actions that would increase their value and worth in the sport, intellectual, military, and skill domains. The Women's Company has also accomplished noteworthy activities; such participating in national and international events that the nation has hosted, including the1999 SEA Games, where local women athletes won medals and honours.[32]
The Women's Company has also organised and executed charity events as part of its extensive involvement in welfare and community engagement activities. In particular, the most isolated areas in the nation have benefited from the medical assistance and relief offered by its medical and dental officers and orderlies. Even though the ratio of women-to-men joining the Royal Brunei Armed Forces is low, the RBAF female cohort have made a valuable contribution.[32]
The RBAF Supreme Commander approved the introduction of new uniforms for the Women's Company on 31 May 2005.[32] Alumnus of the Women's Company,Hasimah Abu Bakar became the first femalelieutenant colonel in 2006,[33] andNorsuriati Sharbini became the first woman to be appointed tocolonel in 2021.[34][35]
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The Royal Brunei Armed Forces (RBAF) use a wide range of foreign-procured equipment across all three service branches; with a large percentage originating from theUnited Kingdom,Europe (France,Germany,Switzerland,Spain), and theUnited States of America.
The Bruneian military in its post-independence form lacks anycombat experience. However, it has beendeployed regionally inhumanitarian andpeacekeeping missions; notably, since2004; the Royal Brunei Armed Forces have formed part of theUnited Nations (UN) peacekeeping mission inMindanao, the Philippines.[36] Brunei continues to maintain extensive military relations with theUnited Kingdom, withBritish Forces Brunei (British Army andRoyal Air Force) permanently based in the sultanate since its independence by invitation. Furthermore, the Sultan of Brunei Darussalam,Hassanal Bolkiah, is anhonoraryair chief marshal of the Royal Air Force, and an honoraryadmiral of theRoyal Navy,[37] and also an honorary admiral of theRepublic of Singapore Navy.
On 6 May 2023, as part of theCommonwealth of Nations, ten members of the Royal Brunei Armed Forces took part in the 6,000-strong royal parade in London, England, to celebrate the formalCoronation of King Charles III.[38]
31 May is theArmed Forces Day of Brunei Darussalam, which celebrates the founding of the Royal Brunei Armed Forces. It is an annualnational holiday, and the events on the day includemilitary parade in front of the Sultan, and public exhibition of its equipment and armament. On 31 May 2021; 4 years ago (2021-05-31), Royal Brunei Armed Forces celebrated itsdiamond jubilee.
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