Brunei Security Report — September 22, 2026

Security analysis based on open-source intelligence and web research. Period: September 15 — September 22, 2026.

Executive Summary

During the period of September 15-22, 2026, Brunei Darussalam demonstrated a proactive and engaged posture in both regional security cooperation and domestic cybersecurity enhancement. A significant highlight was the successful conclusion of the Cooperation Afloat Readiness and Training (CARAT) Brunei 2026 exercise with the United States, reinforcing maritime interoperability in the South China Sea. Concurrently, Brunei hosted the Cybersecurity Conference 2026 (CySec 2026), emphasizing critical infrastructure protection and international collaboration in cyber defense. Diplomatically, Brunei reaffirmed its defense ties with China and expressed concerns over Middle East stability and freedom of navigation in the Strait of Hormuz, underscoring its commitment to global and regional peace. These developments collectively indicate Brunei's strategic focus on strengthening its defense capabilities, enhancing cybersecurity resilience, and actively participating in multilateral security dialogues to safeguard its national interests and contribute to regional stability.

Key Security Developments

• Military Activities and Exercises: CARAT Brunei 2026 Concludes
  The Royal Brunei Armed Forces (RBAF) and United States maritime forces successfully concluded the annual Cooperation Afloat Readiness and Training (CARAT) Brunei 2026 exercise on September 18, 2026, after commencing on September 14. The week-long bilateral exercise in the South China Sea focused on enhancing maritime cooperation and interoperability through complex evolutions, including anti-submarine warfare, maritime interdiction operations, and command and control coordination. Participating assets included the US Coast Guard Sentinel-class fast response cutter USCGC Emlen Tunnell, Independence-variant littoral combat ship USS Canberra, a P-8A Poseidon maritime patrol aircraft, and a Royal Brunei Navy Darussalam-class offshore patrol vessel PV-80 with a Sikorsky S-70i Black Hawk helicopter. This 32nd iteration of CARAT underscores the enduring friendship and defense cooperation between Brunei and the United States, vital for addressing shared maritime security challenges in the Indo-Pacific region.

• Military Activities and Exercises: ADMM-Plus Exercise Trident Resolve Participation
  On September 19, 2026, a Royal Brunei Armed Forces (RBAF) contingent departed for Banten, Republic of Indonesia, to participate in the Field Training Exercise (FTX) for the ASEAN Defence Ministers' Meeting-Plus Experts' Working Groups (ADMM-Plus EWG) on Combined Field Training EXERCISE TRIDENT RESOLVE (XTR). The exercise is scheduled from September 20 to 26, 2026. Led by Lieutenant Colonel Haji Erawan bin Haji Abu Bakar, the contingent comprises four officers and 10 personnel focusing on cybersecurity, military medicine, and Humanitarian Assistance and Disaster Relief (HADR) components. This participation strengthens practical cooperation and coordination with ADMM-Plus member states, enhancing professional knowledge in addressing shared regional security challenges.

• Cybersecurity: Brunei Cybersecurity Conference 2026 (CySec 2026)
  Brunei hosted the Brunei Cybersecurity Conference 2026 (CySec 2026) from September 15-16, 2026, at The Rizqun International Hotel in Bandar Seri Begawan. Organized by Cyber Security Brunei (CSB) and the Brunei Cybersecurity Association (BCSA) under the theme "Resilient by Design: Protecting Critical Infrastructure," the conference brought together experts, government agencies, and industry leaders. EU CyberNet contributed with a technical hands-on session on open-source intelligence (OSINT), cyber threat intelligence (CTI), and AI-assisted cyber investigations. The event also saw the official launch of the Universiti Brunei Darussalam (UBD) Cybersecurity and Digital Forensics Laboratory. This conference highlights Brunei's commitment to advancing cybersecurity awareness, capability, and collaboration to secure its digital future.

• Diplomatic Relations: Reaffirming Ties with China
  On September 17, 2026, Brunei Darussalam and China reaffirmed their longstanding defense ties during a bilateral meeting in Beijing. Coordinating Minister for National Security, Minister at the Prime Minister's Office and Minister of Defence II Pehin Datu Lailaraja Major General (Rtd) Dato Paduka Seri Awang Mohd Yussof met with China's Minister of National Defence Admiral Dong Jun on the sidelines of the 13th Beijing Xiangshan Forum. Both sides exchanged views on regional and international security developments and discussed opportunities to strengthen practical defense cooperation, emphasizing continued engagement through ASEAN-led mechanisms like the ASEAN Defence Ministers' Meeting-Plus (ADMM-Plus).

• Diplomatic Relations: Statement on Middle East Developments
  On September 19, 2026, Brunei Darussalam's Ministry of Foreign Affairs issued a statement expressing deep concern over reports of an attempted drone attack near Makkah Al-Mukarramah on September 15, 2026. Brunei stood in solidarity with Saudi Arabia and condemned the incident, emphasizing the profound religious significance of the Holy Sites. The statement also highlighted profound concern over ongoing conflicts in the Middle East, their humanitarian, security, and economic consequences, and stressed the importance of protecting civilians, respecting sovereignty, and safeguarding freedom of navigation, particularly in the Strait of Hormuz.

• Defense Industry Developments: Türkiye-Brunei Defense Industry Day
  The ASELSAN-ASELSAN.NET Defense Industry Day was held in Bandar Seri Begawan on September 15, 2026, hosted by the Embassy of Türkiye. The event facilitated discussions between Turkish defense industry representatives and relevant Bruneian institutions to explore strengthening cooperation in defense, advanced technology, and security. Following the event, bilateral meetings continued on September 16, with the Turkish delegation visiting Cyber Security Brunei and the Royal Brunei Police Force, indicating potential for future defense acquisitions and technology transfer.

• Maritime and Border Security: South China Sea Focus
  The CARAT Brunei 2026 exercise, conducted in the South China Sea, directly addressed maritime domain awareness and interdiction capabilities. This ongoing focus aligns with Brunei's clear interest in preserving freedom of navigation and a stable regional balance in the South China Sea, while avoiding direct confrontation with China, despite being one of the ASEAN claimants.

• Counter-terrorism and Transnational Crime: Regional Cooperation
  While no new incidents were reported this week, Brunei's participation in the ADMM-Plus exercise's cybersecurity and military medicine components, alongside its previous co-chairmanship of the Sub-Regional Meeting on Counter-Terrorism and Transnational Crime (SRM) earlier in the year, demonstrates its continuous commitment to addressing transnational threats. Brunei reaffirms its policy of maintaining friendly relations and regional cooperation to combat terrorism and transnational crimes, including drug trafficking and cybercrime.

Geopolitical Impact and Regional Dynamics

Brunei's security developments this week underscore its consistent foreign policy of non-interference, ASEAN centrality, Islamic legitimacy, and friendly relations with all major powers. The CARAT Brunei 2026 exercise with the United States reinforces Brunei's strategic partnership with Washington, demonstrating a shared commitment to maritime stability and a free and open Indo-Pacific. This bilateral engagement, particularly in the South China Sea, signals Brunei's intent to enhance its maritime security capabilities and uphold international law, including the 1982 UN Convention on the Law of the Sea (UNCLOS), which is crucial for regional stability. The exercise also serves as a counterweight to growing Chinese influence in the region, without directly confronting Beijing, aligning with Brunei's risk-averse approach to its South China Sea claims.

The reaffirmation of defense ties with China on the sidelines of the Beijing Xiangshan Forum, however, highlights Brunei's balanced diplomatic strategy. By engaging both the US and China in security dialogues, Brunei seeks to maintain its strategic autonomy and avoid being drawn into major power rivalries, a critical aspect of its "survival" interest. This dual engagement strategy allows Brunei to leverage cooperation with both powers for its defense modernization and regional security objectives. The participation in the ADMM-Plus exercise in Indonesia further solidifies Brunei's commitment to ASEAN-led mechanisms, which are central to its regional security architecture and collective response to shared challenges like cybersecurity and disaster relief.

Brunei's diplomatic statement on the attempted drone attack near Makkah and its broader concerns about Middle East conflicts and freedom of navigation in the Strait of Hormuz reflect its identity as an Islamic nation and its broader international responsibilities. These concerns, while geographically distant, impact global energy security and supply chains, which are vital to Brunei's hydrocarbon-dependent economy. The ongoing efforts to demarcate the land boundary with Malaysia also contribute to regional stability by resolving potential bilateral friction points and enhancing border security within Borneo.

Military and Defense Analysis

The Royal Brunei Armed Forces (RBAF) continues its modernization efforts, guided by the Defence White Paper Update 2026 and the Force 2035 initiative. The successful conclusion of CARAT Brunei 2026 showcased RBAF's commitment to enhancing its maritime capabilities, particularly in anti-submarine warfare, maritime interdiction, and command and control coordination, through interoperability with the US Navy and Coast Guard. The exercise involved a Royal Brunei Navy Darussalam-class offshore patrol vessel and a Sikorsky S-70i Black Hawk helicopter, demonstrating the integration of existing assets in complex operations.

Recent structural changes, such as the establishment of the Special Operations Command and the Combined Arms Training Centre (PULGAT) for the Royal Brunei Land Force (RBLF) in May 2026, aim to build a more credible, integrated, and future-ready force. These initiatives are designed to strengthen joint force integration across land, air, and maritime domains and ensure capabilities are aligned with evolving threats. The acquisition of four Airbus C295MW aircraft, completed in April 2026, significantly boosts the Royal Brunei Air Force's capabilities for humanitarian assistance and disaster relief (HADR), medical evacuation (medevac), and transport operations.

Defense spending trends indicate a fiscal commitment to modernization, with a reported 32% surge in Brunei's defense budget to B$796.3 million in 2024. This funding supports the procurement of new technologies, such as the ongoing tender for advanced Unmanned Aerial Vehicle (UAV) and Vertical Take-off and Landing (VTOL) UAV systems, which will enhance surveillance and intelligence, surveillance, target acquisition, and reconnaissance (ISTAR) capabilities. The engagement with Türkiye's defense industry, ASELSAN, further suggests Brunei's interest in diversifying its defense acquisitions and exploring advanced technology partnerships. Overall, Brunei's defense posture is vigilant and adaptive, focused on maintaining operational readiness and contributing constructively to regional stability as a small state.

Outlook and Forecast

Short-term trends (1-3 months): In the immediate future, Brunei will likely continue its active engagement in regional security dialogues and exercises. The RBAF contingent's participation in the ADMM-Plus EXERCISE TRIDENT RESOLVE until September 26, 2026, will foster further multilateral cooperation in cybersecurity, military medicine, and HADR. Following the successful CARAT exercise, Brunei will probably seek to integrate lessons learned into its maritime defense strategies and continue discussions with the US on technical assistance for maritime fleet modernization, particularly for safeguarding critical offshore energy infrastructure and commercial gateways. The momentum from the CySec 2026 conference will likely translate into continued national efforts to enhance cybersecurity awareness and capabilities, potentially leading to new policy initiatives or public-private partnerships. The ongoing diplomatic efforts regarding Middle East stability and freedom of navigation will remain a consistent theme in Brunei's foreign policy statements.

Critical flashpoints and risk areas: The South China Sea remains a critical flashpoint, where Brunei's balancing act between the US and China will continue to be tested. While Brunei maintains a conservative, sovereignty-first approach, any escalation of tensions among major powers or other claimants could indirectly impact its security and economic interests. The Strait of Hormuz and broader Middle East instability, as highlighted by Brunei's recent statement, pose an indirect but significant risk due to their impact on global energy markets and supply chains, which are crucial for Brunei's hydrocarbon-dependent economy. Domestically, while Brunei has a low crime rate and no recent history of terrorism, the persistent threat of transnational crime (e.g., drug trafficking, human trafficking) and cybercrime remains a concern, requiring continuous vigilance and international cooperation. The ongoing land boundary demarcation with Malaysia in Sector F-G, with a May 2027 deadline, could present minor diplomatic challenges if not managed smoothly, though current cooperation appears strong.

Indicators to monitor: Key indicators to monitor include the frequency and scope of Brunei's participation in multilateral military exercises (e.g., ADMM-Plus, CARAT) and bilateral defense engagements, especially with the US and China, as these reflect its strategic alignment and defense priorities. Progress in the procurement of advanced defense technologies, such as UAVs, and the implementation of cybersecurity initiatives stemming from CySec 2026 will indicate the pace of its modernization and resilience-building efforts. Diplomatic statements and actions regarding South China Sea disputes and Middle East developments will provide insights into Brunei's evolving foreign policy and its response to external pressures. Any reports of increased transnational crime or cyberattacks would signal a heightened domestic security concern.

Strategic recommendations: Brunei should continue to diversify its security partnerships while maintaining its core alliances, particularly with ASEAN and the US, to ensure a balanced approach to regional security. Investing further in maritime domain awareness (MDA) capabilities and critical offshore infrastructure protection is paramount, given its economic reliance on hydrocarbon resources and its location in the South China Sea. Strengthening cybersecurity defenses for critical infrastructure and promoting a "cyber-smart society" through education and public-private collaboration should remain a top priority. Furthermore, Brunei should continue its active role in regional counter-terrorism and transnational crime forums, enhancing intelligence sharing and capacity building to mitigate these persistent threats. Finally, continued diplomatic engagement to peacefully resolve border issues with neighbors like Malaysia will contribute to long-term regional stability.

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