Brunei Security Report — September 29, 2026

Security analysis based on open-source intelligence and web research. Period: September 22 — September 29, 2026.

Executive Summary

Brunei Darussalam demonstrated a proactive and balanced approach to its security posture during the period of September 22-29, 2026, engaging in significant military exercises, diplomatic engagements, and regional security dialogues. Key developments included a nationwide military exercise (Hikmat Bersatu VII/2026) and continued bilateral defense cooperation with Malaysia and the United States, underscoring a commitment to interoperability and regional stability. Diplomatically, Brunei's participation in the UN General Assembly and defense cooperation meetings with Russia and China highlighted its multilateral engagement and strategic hedging amidst evolving geopolitical dynamics. Efforts to enhance maritime security were evident through hosting the ReCAAP ISC Cluster Meeting, while the updated Defence White Paper emphasized strengthening cyber defense and intelligence capabilities. Overall, Brunei's actions reflect a consistent strategy of maintaining strong defense partnerships, active diplomacy, and a focus on non-traditional security threats to safeguard its sovereignty and regional peace.

Key Security Developments

• Nationwide Military Exercise (Hikmat Bersatu VII/2026)
  The Royal Brunei Armed Forces (RBAF) commenced Exercise Hikmat Bersatu VII/2026 (EX HB VII/2026) on September 28, 2026, a comprehensive military exercise spanning all four districts: Brunei-Muara, Belait, Tutong, and Temburong. This exercise, scheduled to run until October 7, involves land, air, and sea assets, including the use of explosives and pyrotechnics, and is designed to enhance the RBAF's operational readiness and coordination across various environments. The Ministry of Defence advised the public not to be alarmed by troop movements and to avoid designated exercise areas for safety.

• Brunei-Malaysia Bilateral Defence Cooperation
  On September 22, 2026, Major General Dato Paduka Seri Haji Muhammad Haszaimi bin Bol Hassan, Commander of the Royal Brunei Armed Forces (RBAF), received a courtesy call from General Tan Sri Azhan bin Haji Md Othman, Chief of the Malaysian Army, at Bolkiah Garrison. The visit, part of the Malaysian Chief of Army's official tour from September 21 to 24, 2026, reaffirmed the strong and longstanding defense relations between the two nations. Both commanders welcomed the ongoing bilateral exercises, Exercise BRUMAL SETIA 18/2026 and Exercise MERTAK BERSATU 16/2026, which aim to strengthen interoperability and professional ties between the Royal Brunei Land Forces (RBLF) and the Malaysian Army.

• Brunei-U.S. Pacific Angel Exercise
  Bruneian and United States Airmen conducted Exercise Pacific Angel at Brunei's Rimba Air Force Base during August and September 2026, focusing on enhancing capabilities for search and rescue (SAR) and humanitarian assistance and disaster relief (HADR) missions. The five-day exercise involved five Royal Brunei Air Force squadrons, Royal Brunei Land Forces medical services, and personnel from the U.S. Air Force, Air National Guard, and Air Force Reserve. Participating aircraft included Bruneian S-70i Black Hawk helicopters and C-295MW transport aircraft, alongside a U.S. HC-130J, demonstrating a commitment to regional disaster preparedness.

• Conclusion of CARAT Brunei 2026
  The annual Cooperation Afloat Readiness and Training (CARAT) Brunei 2026 exercise between the Royal Brunei Armed Forces and the United States maritime forces concluded on September 18, 2026, with a closing ceremony in Bandar Seri Begawan. The week-long bilateral exercise, which commenced on September 14, focused on shared maritime security challenges in the South China Sea, including anti-submarine warfare, maritime interdiction operations, and command and control coordination. The exercise involved significant assets such as the U.S. Coast Guard Sentinel-class fast response cutter USCGC Emlen Tunnell, the Independence-variant littoral combat ship USS Canberra, a P-8A Poseidon maritime patrol aircraft, and a Royal Brunei Navy Darussalam-class offshore patrol vessel PV-80 with a Sikorsky S-70i Black Hawk helicopter, enhancing interoperability and regional stability.

• Brunei-Russia Defence Cooperation Meeting
  The second Joint Working Group meeting on Defence Cooperation between the Brunei Darussalam Ministry of Defence and the Russian Federation Ministry of Defence was held in Moscow on September 25, 2026. Co-chaired by Brigadier General (Retired) Dato Seri Pahlawan Mohammad Sharif bin Dato Paduka Haji Ibrahim, Permanent Secretary (Policy and Administration) from Brunei, and Lieutenant General A.A Orekhov from Russia, the meeting facilitated an exchange of views on the current regional security outlook and discussions on bilateral military activities planned for 2027. This engagement reaffirms the importance of friendly defense relations and mutual understanding between the two countries.

• Brunei's Participation in UN General Assembly 81st Session
  His Royal Highness Prince 'Abdul Mateen, Minister of Foreign Affairs of Brunei Darussalam, attended the High-Level Week of the 81st Session of the United Nations General Assembly (UNGA) in New York from September 22-26, 2026. During this period, he deposited Brunei's Instrument of Ratification of the United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea on the Conservation and Sustainable Use of Marine Biological Diversity of Areas Beyond National Jurisdiction (BBNJ Agreement) on September 23, signifying Brunei's commitment to international maritime law.

• Diplomatic Engagements at UNGA
  During the 81st UNGA session, HRH Prince 'Abdul Mateen attended the 19th Ministerial Meeting of the Global Governance Group (3GMM) and the ASEAN – Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) Foreign Ministers' Meeting. He underscored the need to address immediate regional security challenges through diplomacy and respect for international law, while also advocating for strengthening ASEAN-GCC economic resilience through cooperation on energy security, trade, and supply chain diversification.

• Brunei's National Statement at UNGA
  On September 26, 2026, HRH Prince 'Abdul Mateen delivered Brunei Darussalam's National Statement at the General Debate of the 81st UNGA Session. In his address, Brunei co-sponsored Security Council Resolution 2823, which aims to strengthen accountability for crimes against United Nations peacekeepers. He also emphasized ASEAN's practical example of dialogue, restraint, and continued engagement in Southeast Asia, reinforcing the multilateral system.

• Brunei's Statement on Middle East Developments
  On September 19, 2026, Brunei Darussalam's Ministry of Foreign Affairs issued a statement expressing deep concern over reports of an attempted drone attack near Makkah Al-Mukarramah on September 15, 2026, and the ongoing conflicts in the Middle East. The statement emphasized the importance of protecting civilians and civilian infrastructure, respecting the sovereignty and territorial integrity of all states, and safeguarding freedom of navigation, particularly in the Strait of Hormuz, which is vital for international trade and energy security.

• Brunei-China Defence Ties Reaffirmed
  On September 17, 2026, Brunei Darussalam and China reaffirmed their longstanding defense ties during a bilateral meeting between Coordinating Minister for National Security, Minister at the Prime Minister's Office and Minister of Defence II Pehin Datu Lailaraja Major General (Rtd) Dato Paduka Seri Awang Mohd Yussof and China's Minister of National Defence Admiral Dong Jun. Held on the sidelines of the 13th Beijing Xiangshan Forum, discussions focused on regional and international security developments and opportunities to strengthen practical defense cooperation, emphasizing continued engagement through ASEAN-led mechanisms like the ADMM-Plus.

• ReCAAP ISC Cluster Meeting 2026 on Maritime Security
  Brunei hosted the ReCAAP ISC Cluster Meeting 2026 from September 22 to 23, co-organized by the Royal Brunei Police Force (PPDB) and the National Maritime Coordination Centre (PPMK). The meeting brought together representatives from multiple countries to discuss regional maritime security, the current situation of piracy activities, and measures to reduce risks. Key topics included early detection and response to maritime security threats, emerging technologies in maritime security operations, port security in the digital age, and enhancing offshore energy security through emerging technologies and maritime partnerships, with discussions on applying artificial intelligence in counter-piracy operations.

• Immigration Enforcement Operations
  The Immigration and National Registration Department (INRD) continued its "Operasi Kakas 2026" enforcement operations to curb immigration offenses nationwide. Recent reports from September 10 and 11, 2026, detailed the detention of several foreign nationals in separate raids for offenses such as overstaying, entering the country without passing through designated checkpoints, and working in positions different from those stated in their passports. These ongoing operations highlight Brunei's commitment to maintaining border integrity and enforcing immigration laws.

Geopolitical Impact and Regional Dynamics

Brunei's security developments during this period underscore its consistent strategy of hedging between major powers while actively promoting regional stability through multilateral platforms. The conclusion of CARAT Brunei 2026 with the United States and the ongoing Pacific Angel exercise demonstrate Brunei's robust defense ties with the U.S., which serve to balance its economic deepening with China. This dual approach allows Brunei to leverage security cooperation with the U.S. for maritime domain awareness and interoperability in the South China Sea, a region where Brunei has its own claims, particularly around Louisa Reef. While Brunei maintains a low profile on its South China Sea claims, its participation in U.S.-led exercises signals a commitment to a rules-based international order and freedom of navigation, which is crucial given the increasing strategic competition in the Indo-Pacific.

Simultaneously, Brunei's engagement with China, including the reaffirmation of defense ties at the Beijing Xiangshan Forum on September 17, 2026, and its economic alignment with China's Belt and Road Initiative (BRI), highlights its pragmatic approach to foreign policy. This balancing act is essential for Brunei, as it seeks to diversify its economy from depleting hydrocarbon resources while ensuring its security. The discussions at the Xiangshan Forum, covering regional and international security, underscore China's growing influence and Brunei's need to navigate this complex relationship carefully, particularly concerning the South China Sea where Brunei has previously rejected Chinese proposals for joint development in disputed waters.

Furthermore, Brunei's diplomatic activities at the 81st UN General Assembly, including the ratification of the BBNJ Agreement and its statement on the Middle East, reflect its commitment to international law and multilateralism. The emphasis on ASEAN centrality in regional security mechanisms, as articulated in the Defence White Paper Update 2026, indicates Brunei's preference for inclusive regional frameworks over exclusive groupings like AUKUS and QUAD, which are perceived as potentially challenging ASEAN's role. The second Joint Working Group meeting on Defence Cooperation with Russia on September 25, 2026, further diversifies Brunei's diplomatic and security partnerships, allowing it to maintain flexibility and influence in a fragmented global landscape.

Military and Defense Analysis

Brunei's military and defense posture during this period reflects a clear emphasis on enhancing capabilities through international cooperation and internal readiness. The nationwide Exercise Hikmat Bersatu VII/2026 demonstrates the Royal Brunei Armed Forces' (RBAF) commitment to maintaining a high level of operational readiness across all domains—land, air, and sea—and throughout the entire national territory. This comprehensive exercise, involving various assets and the use of pyrotechnics, is crucial for validating defense plans, improving inter-service coordination, and preparing for a range of contingencies, from conventional threats to disaster response.

Modernization programs are evident through Brunei's participation in exercises like Pacific Angel and CARAT Brunei 2026. These exercises involve advanced platforms such as U.S. HC-130J transport aircraft, P-8A Poseidon maritime patrol aircraft, and U.S. Coast Guard cutters, alongside Brunei's S-70i Black Hawk helicopters and C-295MW transport aircraft. The focus on anti-submarine warfare, maritime interdiction operations, and search and rescue capabilities indicates a strategic investment in maritime domain awareness and response, particularly vital for a nation with significant maritime interests and claims in the South China Sea. The Defence White Paper Update 2026 explicitly calls for strengthening cyber defense capabilities, enhancing intelligence and surveillance systems, and investing in innovative technologies, signaling a forward-looking approach to capability development in response to evolving threats.

Defense spending trends, while not explicitly detailed in the provided news, can be inferred from the consistent engagement in complex, multinational exercises and the stated commitment to modernization. Brunei's ability to host and actively participate in these events, often involving significant foreign assets, suggests a sustained allocation of resources to defense. The emphasis on interoperability with key partners like Malaysia and the United States, through joint exercises and professional exchanges, indicates a strategy of leveraging alliances to augment its own capabilities and ensure collective security in the region. This approach allows Brunei to maintain a credible defense posture despite its relatively small size, by focusing on specialized capabilities and strong partnerships.

Outlook and Forecast

Short-term trends (1-3 months): In the immediate future, Brunei will likely continue its focus on internal security and defense readiness, as evidenced by the ongoing Exercise Hikmat Bersatu VII/2026 until early October. This will be followed by a period of assessment and integration of lessons learned from this large-scale national exercise. Diplomatically, Brunei will maintain its active engagement in multilateral forums, building on the momentum from the UN General Assembly and various ministerial meetings. We can expect continued bilateral defense dialogues, particularly with Malaysia, following the recent courtesy call and ongoing joint exercises. Given the recent ReCAAP ISC Cluster Meeting, there will be a sustained emphasis on regional maritime security cooperation and information sharing to combat piracy and armed robbery against ships.

Critical flashpoints and risk areas: The primary flashpoint remains the South China Sea, where Brunei has territorial claims, specifically around Louisa Reef, which is also claimed by China and Vietnam. While Brunei maintains a "silent claimant" approach and does not occupy any features, the increasing strategic competition between major powers (U.S. and China) in the region poses an inherent risk. Any escalation of tensions or incidents involving other claimants could indirectly impact Brunei's maritime security and economic interests. Another risk area is cybersecurity, as highlighted by the Defence White Paper Update 2026 and discussions at the ReCAAP meeting on AI in counter-piracy. The increasing sophistication of cyber threats necessitates continuous vigilance and investment. Regional instability, particularly in the Middle East, as noted in Brunei's diplomatic statement, could also have indirect economic and security implications, especially concerning energy security and freedom of navigation through critical chokepoints like the Strait of Hormuz.

Indicators to monitor: Key indicators to monitor include the frequency and scope of future joint military exercises with the U.S. and other ASEAN partners, which will signal the strength of defense cooperation. Any shifts in Brunei's public stance or actions regarding its South China Sea claims, or responses to actions by other claimants, would be significant. Progress in implementing the recommendations from the ReCAAP ISC Cluster Meeting, particularly regarding the adoption of AI in maritime security, should be observed. Furthermore, the nature and outcomes of future defense cooperation dialogues with China and Russia will indicate Brunei's strategic balancing act. Domestically, the implementation of the Defence White Paper Update 2026's recommendations, especially concerning cyber defense and intelligence enhancements, will be crucial.

Strategic recommendations: Brunei should continue to diversify its defense partnerships while reinforcing ASEAN centrality in regional security architecture. This involves maintaining robust bilateral ties with traditional partners like the U.S. and Malaysia, while cautiously engaging with rising powers like China and Russia to ensure strategic autonomy. Investing further in maritime domain awareness (MDA) capabilities and intelligence sharing networks, particularly in the South China Sea, is paramount. Strengthening national cybersecurity infrastructure and developing a skilled workforce in this domain, as outlined in the Defence White Paper Update, should be a top priority. Finally, Brunei should continue to champion multilateralism and adherence to international law, such as UNCLOS, as a means of managing regional disputes and promoting a stable and predictable security environment.

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