DEFENDING EXPANDING THE NATION’S SOVEREIGNTY: ROLES IN WIDER HORIZONS DEFENDING THE EXPANDING NATION'S ROLES SOVEREIGNTY: IN WIDER HORIZONS DEFENCE WHITE PAPER DEFENCE WHITE PAPER Cooperative Deployments While Brunei Darussalam’s defence capabilities are relatively modest in comparison with its neighbours, its commitment to promoting security cooperation and fostering stability in the region and beyond have been clearly demonstrated. Subsequent enhancements will focus on force deployability and the ability to operate demanding operational environment. In particular, consideration will be given to: " Acquiring a larger fixed wing transport aircraft to provide greater flexibility in the nature and scale of RBAF contributions further afield. Such a capability can itself make an important contribution to supporting deployed forces. * It has worked closely with neighbours in information exchanges and developing more effective arrangements for tackling the challenges of terrorism and transnational crime. * The RBAF’s medium lift helicopters resupply in the 2004 tsunami. made a valuable contribution to tactical * mobility and operations. its flexibility to contribute to those as a neutral and constructive contributor and its ability to work closely with other regional forces. Recent peacekeeping operations have operations in difficult environments. reinforced the RBAF’s capacity to undertake small scale Strengthening the RBAF’s capacity to make regular, and where appropriate concurrent, contributions to stability operations whether regionally or in support of the UN will be an important aspect of future capability development and deployment planning. greater capacity for cooperative maritime activities. * The first line medical and engineering support capabilities of the land force will continue to be developed, increasing the force’s potential to undertake disaster relief and reconstruction tasks. Pa) 1 [ * Building on recent peacekeeping fa Ae The current deployment of the RBAF’s personnel as part of the Malaysian contingent to the United Nation’s Interim Force in Lebanon (UNIFIL) have given the much needed exposure and experience. Contributing staff to support multinational headquarters will be an important dimension of future RBAF deployment planning. Participation in UN planning for peace operations would complement this, strengthening overall national expertise. The underlying value of security cooperation is, of course, the sharing of knowledge and expertise to maximise a nation’s capacity to provide for its own security as well as contribute to shared strategic tasks. Brunei Darussalam is very fortunate in that regard. It continues to enjoy good defence relations with a wide range of countries. These offer practical training benefits, the Relations with the United Kingdom retain a special significance and a British unit continues to be based * The planned upgrading of the helicopter fleet and acquisition of additional fixed wing aircraft will enhance the capacity for tactical mobility and resupply, particularly in response to large scale emergencies. a q more than the simple deployment of assets. The ability to share operational and planning expertise, and access to defence equipment. " The extended range of the new patrol vessels improve force deployability and provide a much gt Effective cooperation requires, however, much development of shared doctrine and clear and consistent command and control arrangements is essential for joint operations. * Recent deployments in Mindanao and to Lebanon have reinforced Brunei Darussalam’s image af Upgrading the capacity of the land force for self protection and protected mobility, an essential asset in post-conflict reconstruction tasks where the security situation remains fragile. International Engagement * Defence White Paper Update 2007 highlighted plans to develop the RBAF’s deployable first line medical and engineering support capabilities to enhance in more operations, further strengthening the training and equipping elements of the land force to undertake small unit operations in difficult environments will be a priority. and trained in the country. Regular exercises and technical training are undertaken with Australia and New Zealand, the United States and other regional forces. Officer exchanges with countries extending from China to Pakistan foster both shared understanding and professional skills. 2011