Royal Brunei Air Force Base, Rimba Explained

Royal Brunei Air Force Base, Rimba
Native Name:Pangkalan Tentera Udara Diraja Brunei, Rimba
ڤڠكالن تنترا اودارا دراج بروني، ريمبا
Location:Rimba, Gadong 'A', Brunei-Muara
Nearest Town:Bandar Seri Begawan
Country:Brunei Darussalam
Alt2:Image of primarily circular badge of the Royal Brunei Air Force, which is also used as the identifying badge of Royal Brunei Air Force Base, Rimba.
Type:Military airbase and headquarters
Pushpin Map:Brunei
Pushpin Map Caption:Location in Brunei
Pushpin Label:Royal Brunei Air Force Base, Rimba
Pushpin Label Position:left
Ownership:Ministry of Defence
Condition:Operational
Current Commander:Brig Gen Mohammad Sharif Ibrahim[1] [2]
Past Commanders:Brig Gen Mahmud Saidin (first Bruneian with fighter pilots' licence)
Occupants:see below
Iata:BWN
Icao:WBSB
Elevation:22abbr=off0abbr=off
R1-Number:03/21
R1-Length:3685m (12,090feet)[3]
R1-Surface:asphalt concrete
Airfield Other Label:Notes
Airfield Other:Aerodrome facilities are shared with Brunei International Airport

Officially known as Royal Brunei Air Force Base, Rimba[4], commonly known as Rimba Air Force Base[4], occasionally known as Rimba Airbase, and informally abbreviated Rimba AFB; it is the military headquarters and main operating airbase of the Royal Brunei Air Force (RBAirF, originally - ATUDB; from 2005 to - TUDB).[5] It is located near the Bruneian village of Kampong Rimba, opposite, and sharing its main runway of 3685abbr=off0abbr=off with the Brunei International Airport (BIA),[3] at Bandar Seri Begawan, in the Brunei-Muara District of the sultanate of Brunei Darussalam.[6]

History and operations

20th century

Aviation in the sultanate of Brunei Darussalam arose due to a government desire to provide medical services in the rural areas of its territory. In 1965, two Sikorsky S55 helicopters were contracted from the Worldwide Helicopter Company[7] to fly doctors by helicopter to remote areas, particularly those which were inaccessible by road.[8] In 1966, this service was taken over by three British pilots from the Royal Air Force (RAF), operating three RAF Westland Whirlwind helicopters, thereby signifying the start of military aviation in Brunei, officially becoming a helicopter platoon.[5] [8] [7] In 1967, the Whirlwinds were replaced by a pair of Westland Wessex Mk54 (Bruneian export version of the RAF HC2 variant; construction numbers and registration:, and).[9] Three years later, in 1969, it was officially named the Air Wing,[5] and the same year, deliveries of the first of five Bell 206 Jet Ranger helicopters[8] (four 206A, and subsequently two 206B-3; construction numbers and registration:,,,, [reassigned TUDB-305], and [reassigned TUDB-306]) arrived to enter service.[10] A sixth airframe was later procured to replace a hull loss.

In 1970, prior to Rimba Air Force Base, the military Air Wing of Brunei then started to operate a pair of Bell 205 helicopters from Berakas Garrison, forming No. 1 Squadron.[5] These were subsequently replaced in 1974 by Bell 212 helicopters.[5] [11] [12] [13] No. 2 Squadron was formed in 1981, equipped with six German Bolkow BO105-CBS helicopters[8] [11] (construction numbers and registration:,,,,, and) operating in the close air support (CAS) role.[5] [14] In 1982, No. 3 Squadron was established to operate a pair of SIAI Marchetti SF260W fixed-wing training aircraft.[8]

In 1984, as a result of the independence of Brunei Darussalam from the United Kingdom (UK), the Air Wing came under the official command of Command Task Force, Royal Brunei Armed Forces (RBAF).[5] On 1 October 1991, the Air Wing, Royal Brunei Armed Forces became an independent service (air force) of Royal Brunei Armed Forces, and was officially named the Royal Brunei Air Force[8] (RBAirF), or Angkatan Tentera Udara Diraja Brunei (ATUDB) in Malay. It was also operating from Penanjong Garrison during this period.[5] In 1996 at Penanjong Garrison, the sultan Presented Royal and Service Colours to the Royal Brunei Air Force.[5]

At the now established airbase of Royal Brunei Air Force Base, Rimba, 1997 saw the arrival of Sikorsky S70A-14 Blackhawk helicopters,[5] [8] [15] and more significantly, a fixed-wing military transport aircraft, namely the [5] [8] [16] [17] (construction number: N-033, registration: ATUDB 501, subsequently re-registered TUDB 501).[18] This resulted in the official formation of No. 4 Squadron[19] and No. 5 Squadron on 12 September 1997.[5] [8] Four fixed-wing training aircraft were acquired in 1998, the tandem-seat turboprop Pilatus PC-7 Mk.II, originally operated by No. 3 Squadron.[5] [8] Security of the RBAirF at Rimba was enhanced on 4 January 1999, with the formation of an Air Regiment and a Base Defence Squadron, along with the introduction of the French-made Mistral missile system operated by No. 38 Squadron.[5] [8]

21st century

Following the change on 1 January 2005 of the official Malay name of the Royal Brunei Air Force to Tentera Udara Diraja Brunei (TUDB),[5] the first of the three ordered Sikorsky S-92 helecopters by Brunei Shell Petroleum (BSP) arrived at Royal Brunei Air Force Base, Rimba, on 25 February 2007, before being transferred to their scheduled home base at Anduki Airfield (WBAK).[20] These aircraft were transported by an Antonov An-124 from Bradley International Airport, Windsor Locks, Connecticut, USA.[20]

During BRIDEX 2011, the United States Air Force (USAF) made their first ever participation in the event, with General Dynamics F-16s from Misawa Air Base, Japan, conducting aerial demonstrations over Royal Brunei Air Force Base, Rimba.[21] Additionally, the Republic of Singapore Air Force (RSAF) sent a Boeing CH-47SD/F Chinook for static display within Hangar B of the airbase,[22] and the Royal Malaysian Air Force (RMAF,, TUDM) sent a Mikoyan-Gurevich MiG-29N from 19 Squadron.[23]

On the morning of 20 July 2012, having departing Royal Brunei Air Force Base, Rimba at 08:55, a RBAirF Bell 212 was due to return to the airbase later that same morning, but subsequently was found crashed with the loss of twelve of the fourteen onboard military personnel in Ulu Rampayoh, Mukim Labi.[24] [25] Investigations by the Supreme Board of Inquiry of the Royal Brunei Armed Forces (RBAF) concluded that the crash was caused by human error whilst in flight; specifically 'unauthorised low-level flying' which resulted in a controlled flight into terrain (CFIT). At the time of the crash, believed to be approximately 10:15, the aircraft was being operated by three crew; also onboard were two trainers, one staff, and eight officer cadets.[25]

On 30 September 2013, the newly completed Air Movement Centre (AMC) within the airbase was officially handed over to the RBAirF; during the ceremony, the main contractor LSL Sdn Bhd presented a mock key (via a formal chain of Bruneian officials and government ministers) to the then Commander of the Royal Brunei Air Force, Brigadier General Wardi Abdul Latip. Designed by Arkitek KHA, construction of the new AMC began on 29 April 2013, and cost approximately B$3.9 million. The main purpose of the AMC is to provide arrivals and departure facilities for all Royal Brunei Armed Forces (RBAF) personnel transiting to and from Brunei, along with other nations forces, and will also be used for officials using non-commercial flights.[26]

The fourth Brunei Darussalam International Defence Exhibition (BRIDEX) meet in 2013 seen the introduction of the newer Blackhawk variant into the Royal Brunei Air Force, the Polish-manufactured Sikorsky S70i Blackhawk,[27] unveiled by His Majesty the Sultan of Brunei.[5] This new acquisition of the S70i fleet marked the end and retirement of the entire fleet of Bell 212, which spanned forty years service in the RBAirF.[5] [13] BRIDEX 2013 again had participation from the United States of America, by sending a single USAF Boeing C-17 Globemaster III of the 545th Airlift Squadron from Joint Base Pearl Harbor–Hickam, Hawaii,[28] a United States Marine Corps (USMC) Bell Boeing MV-22B Osprey, and a Lockheed Martin KC-130J Super Hercules.[29]

On 24 February 2016, eight Republic of Korea Air Force (RoKAF) KAI T-50B of the 53rd Air Demonstration Group, 'Black Eagles' made a planned refuelling stop at the airbase,[30] and later on 24 June, the RBAirF revealed a 50th anniversary monument at the Air Movement Centre (AMC), Air Force Base, Rimba.[31] Later that year on 16 November 2016, four Royal Air Force (RAF) Eurofighter Typhoon FGR4 multi-role combat fighter jets supported by an RAF Voyager tanker-transport visited the airbase.[32] On 18 July 2017, an RAF A400M Atlas C1 from No. 70 Squadron RAF visited the airbase,[33] and later from 27 until 29 July 2017, a Boeing KC-767J tanker-transport from the 404th Tactical Airlift Tanker Squadron (第404飛行隊) of the Japan Air Self-Defence Force (JASDF) made a goodwill visit to the base.[34]

On 24 September 2019, Royal Brunei Air Force Base, Rimba was one of the locations used as a training area for Exercise Setia Bersama (Loyal Together) 1/2019, the nationwide ten-day military exercise conducted by the Royal Brunei Armed Forces (RBAF / ABDB) in Brunei Darussalam. Military assets from various parts of the RBAF test and assess their level of preparedness at both operational and tactical levels, and cooperated with other agencies and 'grassroots' leaders from all districts of Brunei, and included all military camp bases.[35] A month later, United States and Brunei joint exercise Cooperation Afloat Readiness and Training (CARAT) was held at the base on 22 October 2019.[36] Also noted during CARAT 2019, a USAF Boeing P-8A Poseidon operated by Patrol Squadron (VP) 10 was present at the airbase.[37]

On 2 November 2019 at 16:55, the main gate of Royal Brunei Air Force Base, Rimba was damaged when a man in a hijacked car used it to ram into the main gate "a few times". The car, with a young boy inside, was hijacked by 24 year old Muhammad Firdaus bin Mohammad Salleh, and the impact caused the main gate to fall, which then damaged two cars parked nearby. Muhammad Firdaus failed to enter a plea to the charge of 'committing an act endangering the lives of the public' when appearing at the Magistrates' Court on 4 November 2019. The defendant could face a fine and up to three years imprisonment if convicted; his case was referred to the Deputy Public Prosecutor for a further hearing on 11 November 2019,[38] which was then adjourned by three weeks until 2 December.[39] On 8 February 2021, local man Muhammad Firdaus bin Mohammad Salleh was given a custodial sentence of two years six months imprisonment plus three strokes of the cane after pleading guilty at the High Court. The damage caused to the main gates was assessed to be over BND 8,000.[40]

On 14 May 2020, medical supplies donated by China to help combat the COVID-19 pandemic in Brunei arrived at Royal Brunei Air Force Base, Rimba, on board an Ilyushin IL-76 from the China's People's Liberation Army Air Force (PLAAF). The Air Movements Centre (AMC) at Rimba processed the 128 boxes of medical equipment; which included laboratory and thermal screening equipment (testing kits and ventilator support equipment), personal protective equipment (PPE), and sanitising and disinfectant products.[41] [42]

From 26 until 28 January 2021, the Royal Brunei Air Force's Fire Service Flight of No. 3 Wing RBAirF completed an Aviation Rescue Fire Fighting (ARFF) exercise at the Royal Brunei Air Force Base, Rimba.[43] Aside from testing the competency and effectiveness of the firefighting crews and associated emergency services, its aim was also to refine and produce an updated Standard Operating Procedure (SOP).[43] On 25 June 2021, a parade was held at the Air Movement Centre (AMC), Rimba, in celebration of the RBAF / ABDB 55th anniversary. Of note was the introduction of Insitu Integrator into the RBAirF, a drone unmanned aerial system (UAS).[44] [45] The decommissioning ceremony of the RBAirF's Bolkow BO105 fleet was held at the AMC within the Air Force Base, Rimba, on 5 February 2022. First introduced as a fleet of six helicopters into No. 2 Squadron, Air Wing in 1981,[11] [14] administered and maintained by the Royal Electrical and Mechanical Engineers (REME) from the United Kingdom until 1993, this ended 41 years' service of the type as latterly operated by No. 1 Wing, Operations Group.[46] [47]

From 24 until 26 January 2023 at Royal Brunei Air Force Base, Rimba, Major (U) Muhammad Isyhak bin Haji Ismail, Acting Commanding Officer of No. 2 Wing RBAirF, took part in a three-day Air Domain Awareness Subject Matter Expert Exchange via video-conference to the Pacific Integrated Air and Missile Defence (IAMD) Centre.[48] On 31 May 2023, Royal Brunei Air Force Base, Rimba was again the host for the grand parade, celebrating the 62nd anniversary of the Royal Brunei Armed Forces.[49] During mid-2023, 606 Squadron of the Royal Auxiliary Air Force (RAuxAF) was deployed from its home base RAF Benson in England to assist the move of Brunei-based Pumas of 230 'Tiger' Squadron from temporary home base in Royal Brunei Air Force Base, Rimba.[50] The flight effectively relocated to its British Forces Brunei permanent home base at Medicina Lines on 1 June 2023.[51]

In December 2022, the Ministry of Defence signed a contract to purchase four new Airbus C295MW tactical transport fixed-wing aircraft from Airbus Defence and Space to replace its ageing CN235-110M.[17] Produced at the Airbus factory in Seville, Spain, the first aircraft was handed over to the RBAirF in Seville late December 2023,[52] [53] and the first two aircraft (TUDB 502[54] and TUDB 503[55]) arrived at Rimba on 24 January 2024.[56]

Current units

Royal Brunei Air Force Base, Rimba is currently home (or parent) to the following units.

No. 1 Wing RBAirF – (Operations Group)

All 1 Wing units are based at Rimba.[57]

No. 2 Wing RBAirF – (Air Defence Battery)

Established, from the Air Defence Battery of the Royal Brunei Malay Regiment, it was subsequently reassigned to the Royal Brunei Air Force on, and renamed the Air Defence Squadron, and subsequently raised to wing status. As well as operational roles, 2 Wing also provides administrative and support functions.[61]

No. 3 Wing RBAirF

Created on, No. 3 Wing was established to give support and assistance to Operational Group in achieving its mission and responsibilities.[63]

No. 4 Wing RBAirF – (Supply Headquarter)

4 Wing is commonly known as Supply Headquarter, and is directly responsible to the Support Group Commander.[66]

No. 5 Wing RBAirF – (Maintenance Wing)

Commanded by Lieutenant Colonel (U) Pengiran Mohamed Khairul Arifin bin Pengiran Haji Mohamad Salleh,[67] 5 Wing is the Maintenance Wing for the entire Royal Brunei Air Force, tasked with all operational and training requirements along with maintenance deadlines and handling aircraft maintenance related matters.[68]

No. 6 Wing RBAirF – (Administrative and Base Maintenance)

6 Wings' main role is to manage administrative issues and base maintenance in relating to the Royal Brunei Air Force operations, together with managing personnel welfare.[69]

No. 7 Wing RBAirF – (Training School)

Previously known as Training Wing,[70] 7 Wing is responsible for the training, administration, and welfare management of all Royal Brunei Air Force personnel, and is also an establishment for Leadership courses to fulfil the needs of the RBAirF.[71]

Gate guardians

Royal Brunei Air Force Base, Rimba displays a retired Bell UH-1 helicopter (military version of the Bell 205, construction number: 30057, registration: AMDB 100) as its gate guardian on a traffic island roundabout just inside its main gate.[74] [75]

See also

External links

Notes and References

  1. Web site: Commander of the Royal Brunei Air Force. MinDef.gov.bn. Royal Brunei Air Force Headquarters, Royal Brunei Air Force Base, Rimba. Defence Information Technology Unit, Ministry of Defence, Brunei Darussalam. 2020. 12 October 2023. live. https://web.archive.org/web/20201025221810/http://www.MinDef.gov.bn/airforce/SitePages/Commander%20of%20Royal%20Brunei%20Airforce.aspx. 25 October 2020.
  2. News: Faisal. Fadley. 25 June 2022. Call to remain flexible, adaptable and professional. BorneoBulletin.com.bn. Borneo Bulletin Online. 30 October 2022.
  3. Web site: Brunei International Airport - going further. DCA.gov.bn. Bandar Seri Begawan, Brunei Darussalam. Department of Civil Aviation, Ministry of Transport and Infocommunications, Brunei Darussalam. n.d.. 12 October 2023.
  4. Web site: Royal Brunei Air Force - home. MinDef.gov.bn. Royal Brunei Air Force Headquarters, Royal Brunei Air Force Base, Rimba. Defence Information Technology Unit, Ministry of Defence, Brunei Darussalam. 2017. 4 February 2023.
  5. Web site: History of Royal Brunei Air Force. MinDef.gov.bn. Royal Brunei Air Force Headquarters, Royal Brunei Air Force Base, Rimba. Defence Information Technology Unit, Ministry of Defence, Brunei Darussalam. 9 January 2024.
  6. Book: 2007. Brunei Air Force handbook - strategic information and weapon systems. Washington DC, USA. International Business Publications, USA / Lulu.com. 38–39. 978-1-4330-0429-2. 946747582. Google Books.
  7. Web site: Royal Brunei Air Force: Playing its role in air surveillance, support - a special report. subscription. TheStar.com.my. The Star, Star Media Group Berhad. 27 February 2021. 2024-02-05.
  8. Web site: Royal Brunei Air Force – history. MinDef.gov.bn. Bolkiah Garrison. Public Relations Unit, Ministry of Defence, Brunei Darussalam. 2015. 9 January 2024.
  9. Web site: Westland Wessex in Angkatan Tentara Udara Diraja Brunei / Royal Brunei Air Force. Helis.com. Helicopter History Site. n.d.. 17 October 2023.
  10. Web site: Bell 206 in Angkatan Tentara Udara Diraja Brunei / Royal Brunei Air Force. Helis.com. Helicopter History Site. n.d.. 17 October 2023.
  11. Web site: Royal Brunei Air Force – organisation – page 2 – Operation Wing. MinDef.gov.bn. Royal Brunei Air Force, Ministry of Defence, Brunei Darussalam. n.d.. 21 April 2007. https://web.archive.org/web/20070927182746/http://www.MinDef.gov.bn/mindefweb/airforce/e_org_page2.html. 27 September 2007.
  12. Web site: Bell 212 in Angkatan Tentara Udara Diraja Brunei / Royal Brunei Air Force. Helis.com. Helicopter History Site. n.d.. 17 October 2023.
  13. Lt (U) Mohd Hazwan. 2020. Lt Col (U) Don Giovanni. The Bell 212: the era of the juggernauts. Keris Terbang (Flying Dagger). 1. Royal Brunei Air Force, Defence Information Technology Unit, Ministry of Defence, Brunei Darussalam. 20–21. 5 February 2023.
  14. Web site: MBB Bo105 in Angkatan Tentara Udara Diraja Brunei / Royal Brunei Air Force. Helis.com. Helicopter History Site. n.d.. 17 October 2023.
  15. Web site: Sikorsky S-70A-32 in Angkatan Tentara Udara Diraja Brunei / Royal Brunei Air Force. Helis.com. Helicopter History Site. n.d.. 17 October 2023.
  16. Web site: Berita Parajurit, vol 9 – Air Capability static display – participating squadrons. MinDef.gov.bn. Bolkiah Garrison, Bandar Seri Begawan, Brunei. Defence Information Technology Unit, Ministry of Defence, Brunei Darussalam. 9. 8. 31 May 2023. 8 January 2024.
  17. Web site: Brunei signs contract for C295 tactical transport aircraft. ADJ.com.my. Bandar Seri Begawan. Asian Defence Journal. 4 December 2022. 12 May 2024.
  18. John Mounce (photographer). 9 July 2011. TUDB501 – CASA/IPTN CN235. photograph. AirHistory.net. Royal Brunei Air Force Base, Rimba. 2 January 2024.
  19. Web site: 4 Squadron, Angkatan Tentara Udara Diraja Brunei / Royal Brunei Air Force. Helis.com. Helicopter History Site. n.d.. 17 October 2023.
  20. Web site: Sikorsky 92 MSN 920041. AeroBoek.nl. 29 October 2022.
  21. Web site: Staff Sgt. Marie Brown, 35th Fighter Wing Public Affairs. 7 July 2011. Misawa demonstrates air power for the first time in Brunei. PacAF.af.mil. Pacific Air Forces, United States Air Force. 29 October 2022.
  22. Web site: BRIDEX aircraft display at Air Force Base, Rimba. Ceritakitani9.wordpress.com. 9 July 2011. 29 October 2022.
  23. John Mounce (photographer). 9 July 2011. M43-17 – Mikoyan-Gurevich MiG-29N (9-12SD). photograph. AirHistory.net. Royal Brunei Air Force Base, Rimba. 2 January 2024.
  24. News: Ngui. Yantoultra. 21 July 2012. Popeski. Ron. Brunei air force helicopter crash kills 12; two survive. UK.Reuters.com. Kuala Lumpur. Reuters UK, Thomson Reuters. https://web.archive.org/web/20160306162055/http://UK.Reuters.com/article/uk-brunei-helicopter-idUKBRE86K06K20120721. 6 March 2016. dead.
  25. News: 'Human error' main cause of chopper crash. TheBorneoPost.com. Borneo Post Online Sdn Bhd.. Bandar Seri Begawan, Brunei. 2 September 2012. 8 January 2024.
  26. Web site: Handing over ceremony of Air Movement Centre. MinDef.gov.bn. Royal Brunei Air Force Base, Rimba. Royal Brunei Air Force. 30 September 2013. 11 May 2024. live. https://web.archive.org/web/20221217140857/https://mindef.gov.bn/airforce/Lists/News_Test/DispForm.aspx?ID=68. 17 December 2022.
  27. Web site: Sikorsky S-70i Black Hawk in Angkatan Tentara Udara Diraja Brunei / Royal Brunei Air Force. Helis.com. Helicopter History Site. n.d.. 17 October 2023.
  28. Web site: Hickam airmen arrive in Brunei for BRIDEX 2013. PacAF.af.mil. Pacific Air Forces, United States Air Force. 4 December 2013. 29 October 2022.
  29. Web site: 131203-M-CE123-022. Marines.mil. United States Marine Corps. 4 December 2013. 29 October 2022.
  30. Web site: Republic of Korea Air Force Black Eagles aerobatic team interaction with Royal Brunei Air Force personnel. MinDef.gov.bn. Royal Brunei Air Force Headquarters, Royal Brunei Air Force Base, Rimba. Defence Information Technology Unit, Ministry of Defence, Brunei Darussalam. 24 February 2016. 29 October 2022.
  31. Web site: The launching of the Royal Brunei Air Force 50th anniversary sculpture and time capsule. MinDef.gov.bn. Royal Brunei Air Force Headquarters, Royal Brunei Air Force Base, Rimba. Defence Information Technology Unit, Ministry of Defence, Brunei Darussalam. 24 June 2016. 29 October 2022.
  32. Web site: Campbell. David. 16 November 2016. RAF Typhoons visit Brunei. blogs.FCDO.gov.uk. Bandar Seri Begawan, Brunei. Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office blogs. 29 October 2022.
  33. Web site: RBAirF personnel get feel of UK RAF Airbus Atlas C1. MinDef.gov.bn. Royal Brunei Air Force Headquarters, Royal Brunei Air Force Base, Rimba. Defence Information Technology Unit, Ministry of Defence, Brunei Darussalam. 18 July 2017. 29 October 2022.
  34. News: Parameswaran. Prashanth. 12 August 2017. Japan military aircraft in Brunei spotlights defense ties. TheDiplomat.com. Diplomat Media Inc.. 29 October 2022.
  35. News: RBAF holds exercise to test preparedness. 24 September 2019. BorneoBulletin.com.bn. Borneo Bulletin Online. 30 October 2022.
  36. Web site: Lt. Lauren Chatmas. 23 October 2019. Better when we fly together: CARAT Brunei 2019. C7F.Navy.mil. Commander, U.S. 7th Fleet, United States Navy. 29 October 2022.
  37. Web site: Lt.j.g. Samantha Michel. 28 October 2019. VP-10 strengthens relations in Brunei. DVIDShub.net. Defense Visual Information Distribution Service, U.S. Department of Defense. 30 October 2022.
  38. News: Hakim Hayat. 5 November 2019. Man appears in court over car hijacking. BorneoBulletin.com.bn. Borneo Bulletin Online. 30 October 2022.
  39. News: Fadley Faisal. 12 November 2019. Car hijacking case adjourned to assess evidence. BorneoBulletin.com.bn. Borneo Bulletin Online. 30 October 2022.
  40. News: Fadley Faisal. 10 February 2021. Bumpy ride leads to jail, whipping. BorneoBulletin.com.bn. Borneo Bulletin Online. 30 October 2022.
  41. News: China donates medical supplies to Brunei. BorneoBulletin.com.bn. Borneo Bulletin Online. 14 May 2020. 30 October 2022.
  42. News: Lyna Mohamad. 15 May 2020. Minister receives Chinese donation of PPE, thermal screening equipment. BorneoBulletin.com.bn. Borneo Bulletin Online. 30 October 2022.
  43. Web site: Aviation Rescue Fire Fighting (ARFF) Exercise. MinDef.gov.bn. Royal Brunei Air Force Headquarters, Royal Brunei Air Force Base, Rimba. Defence Information Technology Unit, Ministry of Defence, Brunei Darussalam. 27 January 2021. 4 February 2023.
  44. News: Dominguez. Gabriel. Giovanzanti. Alessandra. 6 July 2021. Royal Brunei Air Force acquires Insitu Integrator unmanned aerial system. Janes.com. Janes Information Services. 9 January 2024.
  45. News: Kon. James. 25 June 2021. RBAirF committed to defending sovereignty, 55 years on. BorneoBulletin.com.bn. Borneo Bulletin Online. 30 October 2022. https://web.archive.org/web/20210625034542/https://BorneoBulletin.com.bn/rbairf-committed-to-defending-sovereignty-55-years-on-2/. 25 June 2021. dead.
  46. Web site: Bolkow 105 retirement from service ceremony. MinDef.gov.bn. Royal Brunei Air Force Base, Rimba. Defence Information Technology Unit, Ministry of Defence, Brunei Darussalam. 4 February 2022. 9 January 2024.
  47. News: Air Force retires Bolkow 105 helicopters. BorneoBulletin.com.bn. Borneo Bulletin Online. 5 February 2022. 27 May 2022. https://web.archive.org/web/20221023012328/https://borneobulletin.com.bn/air-force-retires-bolkow-105-helicopters-2/. 23 October 2022. live.
  48. Web site: No. 2 Wing concluded a 3-day virtial Air Domain Awareness with Pacific Integrated Air Missile Defence Centre. MinDef.gov.bn. Royal Brunei Air Force Headquarters, Royal Brunei Air Force Base, Rimba. Defence Information Technology Unit, Ministry of Defence, Brunei Darussalam. 26 January 2023. 5 February 2023.
  49. Web site: Berita Parajurit, vol 9. MinDef.gov.bn. Bolkiah Garrison, Bandar Seri Begawan, Brunei. Defence Information Technology Unit, Ministry of Defence, Brunei Darussalam. 9. 31 May 2023. 8 January 2024.
  50. Web site: Members of 606 Squadron, a reserve unit from RAF Benson, have been working hard in Brunei helping 230 Tiger Squadron move to their new permanent base!. Facebook.com. British Forces Broadcasting Service. 5 June 2023. 8 January 2024.
  51. Web site: BFBS Brunei - After 9 long months of driving back and forth to Rimba Air Base, today the Royal Air Force and the Pumas landed at their new permanent base in Medicina Lines. Facebook.com. British Forces Broadcasting Service. 1 June 2023. 8 January 2024.
  52. News: Acceptance and signing ceremony for the Customer Acceptance Test Certificate for the first C295MW aircraft of the Royal Brunei Air Force in San Pablo, Seville, Spain. MinDef.gov.bn. Seville, Spain. Royal Brunei Air Force, Ministry of Defence Brunei Darussalam. 19 December 2023. 12 May 2024. live. https://web.archive.org/web/20240102205909/https://MinDef.gov.bn/airforce/SitePages/News%20Headline.aspx?cid=1307. 2 January 2024.
  53. Web site: Airbus C295 for Brunei. ADJ.com.my. Asian Defence Journal. 29 December 2023. 12 May 2024.
  54. Peter Tonna (photographer). 18 January 2024. CASA C-295W - Brunei - Air Force – Reg: TUDB 502, MSN: S-224. Airliners.net. photograph. Malta International Airport (MLA / LMML). VerticalScope Inc..
    1. 7463585
    . 12 May 2024. Arriving from Seville for a refueling stop during ferry flight..
  55. Peter Tonna (photographer). 18 January 2024. CASA C-295W - Brunei - Air Force – Reg: TUDB 503, MSN: S-225. Airliners.net. photograph. Malta International Airport (MLA / LMML). VerticalScope Inc..
    1. 7463571
    . 12 May 2024. Arriving from Seville for a refueling stop during ferry flight..
  56. Web site: Brunei receives C295MWs. ADJ.com.my. Asian Defence Journal. 26 January 2024. 12 May 2024.
  57. Web site: No. 1 Wing - Royal Brunei Air Force (RBAirF). MinDef.gov.bn. Royal Brunei Air Force Headquarters, Royal Brunei Air Force Base, Rimba. Defence Information Technology Unit, Ministry of Defence, Brunei Darussalam. 2 February 2023.
  58. Web site: Royal Brunei Air Force welcomes new Commander. MinDef.gov.bn. Royal Brunei Air Force Base, Rimba. Royal Brunei Air Force. 25 September 2015. 10 May 2024.
  59. Web site: 1 Squadron, Angkatan Tentara Udara Diraja Brunei / Royal Brunei Air Force. Helis.com. Helicopter History Site. n.d.. 9 January 2024.
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