Brunei Military Forces 🇧🇳

Brunei's defense policy is anchored in safeguarding its sovereignty and responding to regional security challenges, particularly in the South China Sea. The nation's strategy is not based on projecting power, but on a principle of minimal deterrence, aiming to present a credible and proportionate force to deter potential aggressors. This is complemented by a "holistic defence" approach, which integrates military and civilian resources to address a wide range of security threats.

A key pillar of Brunei's security is its active engagement in defence diplomacy. The country maintains strong ties with the United States, Singapore, and Malaysia, and participates in the Five Power Defence Arrangements, which enhances regional collaboration. This network of alliances is crucial for a small state, providing a framework for support and a mechanism for contributing to regional stability.

Military Forces

The Royal Brunei Armed Forces (RBAF) are structured into land, sea, and air components, all undergoing modernization. Nearly all military equipment is imported, with a focus on acquiring technologically advanced systems to maintain a qualitative edge.

The Royal Brunei Land Force is primarily a defensive force, responsible for internal security and defending national sovereignty. Its armored capability is centered on light tanks and various armored personnel carriers, with ongoing interest in acquiring modern medium tanks.

The Royal Brunei Navy is a small but relatively well-equipped force focused on maritime security, search and rescue, and protecting Brunei's offshore energy resources. Its main assets are the Darussalam-class offshore patrol vessels, which are the largest and most capable ships in the fleet. These are supplemented by Ijtihad-class fast patrol boats and recently acquired As-Siddiq-class patrol vessels. The navy has demonstrated its capability by participating in international exercises like RIMPAC.

The Royal Brunei Air Force is a helicopter-centric force that provides tactical airlift, surveillance, and support to the land and naval forces; it does not operate combat jets. Its inventory includes a mix of transport and utility helicopters, with recent acquisitions of H145M helicopters to enhance troop deployment and close air support. For transport, the air force is replacing its older aircraft with new C295MWs, and it operates unmanned aerial systems for surveillance.

Strategic Trends

Brunei's military modernization is a key ongoing trend, with a defense budget projected to see continued growth. This modernization prioritizes high-impact technologies to enhance intelligence, surveillance, and reconnaissance (ISTAR) capabilities across all services, reflecting the importance of maritime and border security. The goal is to create an integrated, technologically advanced military that can effectively counter contemporary and future threats without requiring a large physical footprint.