The Royal Brunei Armed Forces (RBAF) has achieved significant progress, both in terms of organisational size and its capabilities.
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 stated the matter in a titah (royal speech) at the 65th Anniversary Grand Parade of RBAF, held at the Royal Brunei Air Force (RBAirF) base.
Speaking on the launch of the Defence White Paper Update (DWPU) 2026 and its strategic significance, His Majesty the Sultan and Yang Di-Pertuan of Brunei Darussalam was pleased to note that in line with the strategic direction outlined in the update and the Force Vision 2035, RBAF will continue to grow with the establishment of several new units that will further enhance its credibility and capability.
The Monarch also announced his consent to the establishment of the Combined Arms Training Centre (PULGAT), which integrates all Royal Brunei Land Forces (RBLF) training branches under a single command; as well as the establishment of the Special Operations Command (SOCOM) as a Command and Control Centre, which will coordinate special operations between the RBAF Special Forces Regiment (RPK) as the Tier 1 Force and the Tier 2 Special Forces unit within RBAF, effective today.
His Majesty was also pleased to note the joint implementation of several bilateral activities to mark the Golden Jubilee celebration of defence relations between RBAF and the Singapore Armed Forces, and urged the continued strengthening of defence relations with other friendly nations, both near and far.
In terms of military capability, His Majesty added that RBAirF recently received its final two C295MW transport aircraft, completing the acquisition of four transport aircraft just ahead of its Diamond Jubilee Celebration this June. Subsequently, at the end of this year, RBAirF will also receive the first batch of H-145M helicopters in place of the decommissioned Bolkow BO105 aircraft. Early next year, the Joint Force Headquarters RBAF is expected to commission the Command, Control, Communications, Computers, Intelligence, Surveillance, and Reconnaissance (C4–ISR) system, which is currently undergoing active upgrades.
The Monarch emphasised that these achievements would not have been possible without the dedication and commitment across all levels of leadership.
A doa selamat was recited to bless the occasion, followed by a fly-past. His Majesty then launched the DWPU 2026, themed ‘Defending the Nation's Sovereignty: Credible, Adaptive and Resilient Force’; viewed the Air Capability Static Display at the Air Force Base Apron; officiated the opening of the new Number 3 Wing Building of the Operations Group, RBAirF; and witnessed the Special Operations Capability Demonstration by the RBAF SOCOM and its sub-units at the Special Viewing Dais, marking its official establishment. 
The ceremony continued with an Air Display from Allied Air Forces; the Military Capability Development Exhibition; a Luncheon hosted at Hangar B; and the launching of the Bolkow BO105 aircraft restoration project, titled ‘Nostalgia Khazanah Di Udara’.
Accompanying His Majesty were the Monarch’s sons: His Royal Highness Prince Haji Al-Muhtadee Billah, the Crown Prince and Senior Minister at the Prime Minister’s Office; His Royal Highness Prince ‘Abdul Malik; and His Royal Highness 920 Major (U) Prince ‘Abdul Mateen.
Prior to the parade, His Royal Highness the Crown Prince and His Royal Highness Prince ‘Abdul Mateen also attended a Doa Kesyukuran Ceremony, held at Surau Ad-Difa', Bolkiah Garrison on 30th May. The event included Quranic recitations; alongside recitations of Surah Yaa Siin, Tahlil and doa kesyukuran; a mass Isyak prayer; followed by a photo session and commemorative parchment signing at the Officers’ Mess; before concluding with a Royal Evening Banquet. The Doa Kesyukuran Ceremony was also held at all suraus of the Ministry of Defence and RBAF.