Defending The Nation's Sovereignty
Introduction
1. Wawasan 2035 continues to define Brunei Darussalam’s forward-looking nation-building vision. This vision, which depicts a nation with stability at its core, is reliant upon the development of economic and social factors all of which continue to be underpinned by the maintenance of peace and security. Central to this provision, and working alongside other national security agencies, sits the Ministry of Defence (MINDEF) and the Royal Brunei Armed Forces (RBAF) who will continue to provide the defence of the nation and support the security assurance to the people living within Brunei Darussalam. 2021 marks the 60th anniversary of the RBAF’s formation. The publication of this Defence White Paper (DWP) acts as a timely reminder of both the sacrifice and service the RBAF has played in the past six decades, while at the same time also indicating how it will continue to do so in a dynamic and ever-changing security environment.
2. Since the DWP 2011, the geostrategic context on which the analysis and deductions were set has shifted significantly. In order for Brunei Darussalam to navigate an increasingly complex security environment, it is necessary for DWP 2021 to set out how MINDEF and the RBAF will be required to review, reconfigure, and redefine the national defence posture and defence priorities for the future. DWP 2021 will align MINDEF’s and the RBAF’s strategies, capability development, and resources to improve their overall ability to address and respond to the challenges.
3. DWP 2021 has been developed in conjunction with a comprehensive consultative process with other Government agencies. Their inputs are appreciated and deeply valued.