Paratroopers during the solidarity jump at Penanjong Garrison yon Saturday. - PHOTO: RAFI ROSLI / Borneo Bulletin/ANN
BANDAR SERI BEGAWAN (Borneo Bulletin/ANN): The Solidarity Jump featured at the 63rd anniversary celebration of the Royal Brunei Armed Forces (RBAF) on Saturday marked a milestone for the RBAF.
Armed forces from 11 nations – Australia, Bahrain, Jordan, Malaysia, Pakistan, Indonesia, the Philippines, Singapore, South Korea, Thailand and United Kingdom (UK) – participated in the showcase, serving as a platform to share experiences and strengthen defence diplomacy.
The special forces’ parachutists, along with nine parachutists from the Special Forces Regiment at the RBAF and personnel from the 31st Squadron of the Parachute Airborne Tactical Delivery Unit (PATDU) at the Royal Brunei Air Force (RBAirF) leaped from the RBAF C295MW aircraft at an altitude of 10,000 feet and descended on Penanjong Garrison’s football field.
Ambassador of South Korea to Brunei Darussalam Kim Soung-eun gave a nod to South Korea’s 707 Special Forces Unit for their participation in the celebration.
“According to the members, they grew close during the daily parachute training. We hope for enhanced defence cooperation between our countries, building on the memorandum of understanding in 2018 on defence cooperation.”
Singapore High Commissioner to Brunei Darussalam Laurence Bay Siow Hon said they were honoured to participate in the multi-national parachute jump, adding that it reflects the defence ties between the two armed forces.
Charge d’Affaires at the Malaysian Embassy in Brunei Darussalam Ezira Mahadi said it was an honour and privilege for the Malaysian Special Forces to participate in the Solidarity Jump.
She believes the event enhanced interoperability and professional linkages between armed forces of the two countries.
British High Commissioner to Brunei Darussalam John Virgoe noted the long-standing UK Brunei bilateral defence relations, which is a highly-valued area of cooperation between the two countries.
Other countries that participated in the event also added that they were honoured to be invited to participated in the event and celebration. - Borneo Bulletin/ANN
