His Majesty Sultan Haji Hassanal Bolkiah Mu’izzaddin Waddaulah ibni Al-Marhum Sultan Haji Omar ‘Ali Saifuddien Sa’adul Khairi Waddien, Sultan and Yang Di-Pertuan of Brunei Darussalam yesterday morning witnessed the Hikmat Bersatu VI Exercise carried out by the Royal Brunei Armed Forces, RBAF. The Exercise specifically focuses on non-traditional security threats to evaluate military response and capabilities in conducting tactical and operational duties aside from focusing on ‘Security, Stabilisation and Counter Insurgency, or in brief, COIN. Also in attendance was His Majesty’s son, His Royal Highness Prince Haji Al-Muhtadee Billah, the Crown Prince and Senior Minister at the Prime Minister’s Office.
Upon arriving at Bolkiah Garrison, His Majesty was greeted by Yang Berhormat Pehin Datu Lailaraja Retired Major General Dato Paduka Seri Haji Awang Halbi bin Haji Mohammad Yusof, Second Minister of Defence and Major General Udara Dato Seri Pahlawan Haji Hamzah bin Haji Sahat, Commander of the RBAF. His Majesty was then introduced to the Heads of the exercise’s organising team. At the Joint Operations Centre’s Briefing Room, His Majesty was briefed on the exercise operation by Brigadier General Dato Seri Pahlawan Haji Abdul Razak bin Haji Abd Kadir, RBAF Joint Force Commander. The exercise began last Monday involving several areas in the four districts including rivers and waters of Brunei.
From Bolkiah Garrison, His Majesty then proceeded to Penanjong Garrison to witness the ‘Urban Operation’ Exercise at the ‘Fighting in Built up Areas’, FIBUA Village. Upon arrival, His Majesty was welcomed by Colonel Udara Haji Haszahaidi bin Haji Ahmad Daud, Commandant of the Training Institute RBAF.
His Majesty was greeted upon arrival at FIBUA Village by Colonel Azman bin Haji Bangkol, Deputy Commander of the Royal Brunei Land Force. A briefing on the ‘Urban Operation’ Exercise was presented by Lieutenant Colonel Haji Alimin bin Haji Subohi, Commanding Officer of Third Battalion, Royal Brunei Land Force.
The Exercise demonstrated the Royal Brunei Land Force, RBAF’S Special Force Regiment and British Forces Brunei’s ability to conduct combined operations in a range of complex environments with a focus on military contributions in addressing non-traditional security threats.
The exercise also provided comprehensive training to RBAF personnel through realistic contemporary scenarios.
From Penanjong Garrison, His Majesty proceeded to the waters of Brunei to witness a maritime interdiction operation on board KDB Daruttaqwa. His Majesty was greeted upon arrival by Captain Khairil Haji Abdul Rahman, Fleet Commander of the Royal Brunei Navy.
His Majesty witnessed a hostage rescue operation on a hijacked ship. The rescue team included, His majesty’s son, His Royal Highness 920 Major Udara Prince ‘Abdul Mateen.
After witnessing the hostage rescue operation, His Majesty proceeded to the Royal Brunei Navy Base. Upon arrival, His Majesty was greeted by Captain Haji Mohamad Sarif Pudin bin Matserudin, Deputy Commander of the Royal Brunei Navy.
The Hikmat Bersatu Enam Exercise is hoped to further strengthen the RBAF’s preparedness to uphold and carry out the responsibility of defending the country’s peace, prosperity and sovereignty.
His Majesty’s presence for the Hikmat Bersatu Enam Exercise ended at the Royal Brunei Navy Officers Mess for a luncheon. Also in attendance were His Majesty’s sons, His Royal Highness the Crown Prince and His Royal Highness 920 Major Udara Prince ‘Abdul Mateen.
The Hikmat Bersatu Enam Exercise aims to test and validate the RBAF’s actions from the operational and tactical levels in more detail the implementation plan in response to various scenarios.
The exercise which involves the Royal Brunei Police Force, the Gurkha Reserve Unit, and Second battalion of the Royal Gurkha Rifles ends this Saturday.
Source: Radio Television Brunei