Two Royal Australian Air Force (RAAF) F-35A Lightning II fighter jets deployed to Brunei in late August 2025, signifying the nations’ growing defense cooperation.
The inaugural landing of the RAAF aircraft in the Southeast Asian nation was one of several recent bilateral defense engagements, including:
- The Australian Defence Force (ADF) and the Royal Brunei Navy conducted the five-day Exercise Penguin 2025, the leading maritime security activity between the countries. The 20th iteration of the exercise in mid-September enhanced interoperability.
- The ADF and the Royal Brunei Armed Forces (RBAF) conducted cybersecurity training as part of Indo-Pacific Endeavour 2025, Australia’s monthslong engagement to strengthen regional partnerships through military cooperation, joint training and people-to-people exchanges.
“Since 1984, when Brunei gained independence, we’ve had a strong relationship between our people and also our defense cooperation,” said RAAF Air Commodore Pete Robinson, Air Combat Group commander. “It’s the first time that we’ve brought our F-35As to Brunei and it’s a real privilege to be able to do that.”
The nations’ “defense relationship is a cornerstone of our comprehensive partnership,” said Australian High Commissioner to Brunei Michael Hoy. “Deep and enduring bilateral links across education and training, logistics, information sharing, and military exercises underscore the trust, understanding and friendship” between the forces, he said.
“Australia is committed to working with Brunei through [Association of Southeast Asian Nations]-led mechanisms to promote an Indo-Pacific region that is peaceful, stable, resilient, prosperous and rules-based,” he said.
With cyber threats rising amid emerging and disruptive technologies, Australian and Bruneian personnel discussed cybersecurity principles and guidelines, policy development, security frameworks, and legal issues during Indo-Pacific Endeavour in Brunei.
“Having the opportunity to discuss this common security challenge with our Bruneian counterparts from the RBAF Cyber Defence Unit and learning from each other in a respectful and peer-based exchange provided mutual learning and collaboration,” RAAF Flight Lt. Marion Hamilton said. “It allows us to build relationships at the personal and organizational level that are essential to achieving a common understanding of shared security challenges.”
