(AseanAll)  — On June 1, 2024, Haji Hassanal Bolkiah, Sultan and Yang Di-Pertuan of Brunei Darussalam attended the Royal Brunei Armed Forces (RBAF) 63rd Anniversary Celebration Grand Parade, which was held at Parade Square Training Institute RBAF (TI RBAF), Penanjong Garrison.

Accompanying the Sultan to the Grand Parade were Prince Haji Al-Muhtadee Billah, the Crown Prince and Senior Minister at the Prime Minister’s Office; Prince ‘Abdul Malik; and 920 Major (Udara) Prince ‘Abdul Mateen.

The arrival of the Sultan and Yang Di-Pertuan of Brunei Darussalam and the members of the Royal Family at the Parade Square TI RBAF, Penanjong Garrison was greeted by Yang Berhormat Pehin Datu Lailaraja Major General (Retired) Dato Paduka Seri Haji Awang Halbi bin Haji Mohd Yussof, Minister at the Prime Minister’s Office and Minister of Defence II; and Yang Mulia Major General Dato Paduka Seri Haji Muhammad Haszaimi bin Bol Hassan, Commander RBAF. 

Upon arrival, the Sultan and Yang Di-Pertuan of Brunei Darussalam was ushered to the Royal Dais, accorded the Royal Salute and inspected the Guard of Honour comprising 981 personnel from the Royal Brunei Land Force (RBLF), Royal Brunei Navy (RBN), Royal Brunei Air Force (RBAirF) along with the bearers of His Majesty’s and the RBAF’s Regimental Colours; Special Forces Regiment (SFR); Women Military Personnel; combined RBAF Band and RBLF Pipes and Drums as well as RBAF vehicles and assets, commanded by 724 Lieutenant Colonel Mohammad Ghazali bin Haji Hussin.

The grand parade then proceeded with the slow and quick march-past carrying the Sultan’s and the RBAF’s Regimental Colours, followed by ‘Advance in Review Order’. 

The Sultan then delivered a Titah to commemorate the RBAF 63rd Anniversary Celebration. This was followed by three chants of “Daulat Kebawah Duli Tuan Patik” from the RBAF Grand Parade presented to His Majesty the Sultan and Yang Di-Pertuan Brunei Darussalam. 

To bless the RBAF’s Anniversary Celebration, a Doa was recited by Lieutenant Colonel Abdul Mujib bin Haji Japar, Acting Director of the RBAF Religious Directorate (JAMA’AT). 

The Sultan once again received the Royal Salute, followed by a fly-past of RBAirF Blackhawk and C295MW aircrafts. The Sultan and members of the Royal Family then proceeded to the Warrant Officers and Senior Ranks Mess, Penanjong Garrison for Light Refreshment followed by a photo session with RBAF’s Senior Non-Commissioned Officers (SNCOs).

The Sultan and members of the Royal Family then proceeded to Football Field ‘B’ using the Light Tactical All-Terrain Vehicle (LT-ATV) to witness the Solidarity Jump. The Solidarity Jump is a parachute jump demonstration comprising 31 combined Special Forces paratroopers from eleven (11) countries including personnel from the 31st Squadron RBAirF and SFR led by Major Pengiran Mas Sanusi bin Pengiran Haji Masuni from the Special Forces Regiment, RBAF. After the Solidarity Jump demonstration, His Majesty consented for a group photo session with the paratroopers. The involvement of military counterparts from other armed forces enlivening this year’s RBAF’s anniversary celebration reflects the close defence relationship between the RBAF and regional and international counterparts, which plays an important role in enhancing the understanding and to foster closer cooperation as to maintain regional and global peace and security.

The Sultan and members of the Royal Family then proceeded to Dewan Nikmat to view the RBAF Military Capabilities and Defence Industries Exhibition. This year’s exhibition was participated by defence industries from twenty (20) countries worldwide showcasing the latest military equipment and technology.

The Sultan and members of the Royal Family then proceeded to the Officers’ Mess, Penanjong Garrison for the Royal Luncheon. 

Upon arrival, the Sultan and members of the Royal Family proceeded to grace the Cake Cutting Ceremony and were presented with a Pesambah by RBAF officers and personnel. This was followed by Royal Luncheon preceded by a recitation of Doa Selamat by the Acting Director of the RBAF Religious Directorate (JAMA’AT). 

After the Royal Luncheon, the Sultan and members of the Royal family were then introduced to Ambassadors, High Commissioners and Defence Advisors/Attachés to Brunei Darussalam, Solidarity Jump paratroopers, overseas course participants at the Evolution Center, TI RBAF and the Command Staff Course, Defence Academy RBAF as well as RBAF retired personnel, sponsors and RBAF personnel. His Majesty then signed the Royal Parchment. 

The celebration was concluded with the Sultan and members of the Royal Family joined a group photo session with former Deputy Ministers of Defence and former Commanders of the RBAF, Special Guests, Senior RBAF officers, other ranks of the RBAF and the Solidarity Jump paratroopers. 

The theme of this year's RBAF celebration, "Together Accomplishing the National Vision," reflects the involvement and commitment of RBAF as a thriving and dominant national security organisation, upholding the Malay Islamic Monarchy (MIB) and striving towards the accomplishment of the country’s vision ‘Wawasan Brunei 2035’ with the three (3) defence pillars enshrined in the Defence White Paper 2021 Update which are Deterrence and Response, Defence Diplomacy and Holistic Defence.