Brunei Security Report — September 27, 2026

Security analysis based on open-source intelligence and web research. Period: September 20 — September 27, 2026.

Executive Summary

Brunei Darussalam actively engaged in a series of multilateral and bilateral security initiatives from September 20 to September 27, 2026, underscoring its commitment to regional stability and international cooperation. Key developments included the conclusion of the CARAT Brunei 2026 maritime exercise with the United States and participation in the ADMM-Plus EXERCISE TRIDENT RESOLVE in Indonesia, enhancing interoperability and addressing shared maritime challenges. Diplomatically, HRH Prince 'Abdul Mateen, the Minister of Foreign Affairs, represented Brunei at the 81st UN General Assembly, advocating for international law and regional security. Domestically, cybersecurity efforts were highlighted by Brunei's top performance in the Global Quantum Drill 2026 and the hosting of CySec 2026, while internal security forces addressed immigration-related threats. These activities collectively demonstrate Brunei's proactive stance in strengthening its defense capabilities, fostering diplomatic ties, and building resilience against evolving security threats.

Key Security Developments

• Military Activities and Exercises: CARAT Brunei 2026 Conclusion
  The annual Cooperation Afloat Readiness and Training (CARAT) Brunei 2026 exercise, involving the Royal Brunei Armed Forces (RBAF) and United States maritime forces, concluded on September 18, 2026, with a closing ceremony in Bandar Seri Begawan. The week-long bilateral exercise, which commenced on September 14, focused on shared maritime security challenges, South China Sea operations, and enhancing interoperability through complex exercises including anti-submarine warfare, maritime interdiction operations, and command and control coordination. This 32nd iteration of CARAT showcased the enduring defense cooperation between Brunei and the US, utilizing assets like the USS Canberra littoral combat ship and a Royal Brunei Navy Darussalam-class offshore patrol vessel.

• Military Activities and Exercises: ADMM-Plus EXERCISE TRIDENT RESOLVE
  A contingent from the Royal Brunei Armed Forces (RBAF) departed on September 19, 2026, 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) in Banten, Republic of Indonesia. The exercise took place from September 20 to September 26, 2026, with the RBAF contingent, led by Lieutenant Colonel Haji Erawan bin Haji Abu Bakar, focusing on Cyber Security, Military Medicine, and Humanitarian Assistance and Disaster Relief (HADR) components. This participation strengthens practical cooperation and coordination with ADMM-Plus member states in addressing shared regional security challenges.

• Military Activities and Exercises: ADMM-Plus Maritime Security Joint Cooperative Activity
  On September 20, 2026, U.S. naval forces joined maritime forces from the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) Defense Ministers' Meeting-Plus (ADMM-Plus) Experts' Working Group (EWG) on Maritime Security Joint Cooperative Activity (MS JCA). Brunei was among the participating nations actively deploying ships, aircraft, and personnel, including the Royal Brunei Navy Darussalam-class offshore patrol vessel KDB Darussalam (06). Co-hosted by Japan and the Republic of the Philippines, this multilateral exercise aimed to foster cooperation, enhance collective maritime domain awareness, and strengthen regional resilience against natural disasters, with a shore phase in Subic Bay, Zambales, Philippines.

• Diplomatic Relations: UN General Assembly Participation
  His Royal Highness Prince 'Abdul Mateen, Minister of Foreign Affairs of Brunei Darussalam, attended the High-Level Week of the 81st United Nations General Assembly (UNGA) in New York from September 22 to September 27, 2026. During this period, HRH Prince 'Abdul Mateen delivered Brunei Darussalam's National Statement at the General Debate on September 26, and participated in the Annual Coordination Meeting of the OIC, the HLM Global Alliance for the Implementation of the Two-State Solution, and the ASEAN–GCC Foreign Ministers' Meeting. He also held bilateral meetings with the Minister of Foreign Affairs of Vietnam and the Minister of State for Foreign Affairs of Qatar, reaffirming bilateral cooperation.

• Diplomatic Relations: Ratification of BBNJ Agreement
  On September 23, 2026, during the 81st UNGA Session, HRH Prince 'Abdul Mateen deposited Brunei Darussalam's Instrument of Ratification of the United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea on the Conservation and Sustainable Use of Marine Biological Diversity of Areas Beyond National Jurisdiction (BBNJ Agreement). This formal commitment enables Brunei to fully participate in the agreement's implementation, highlighting its dedication to international maritime law and sustainable use of marine resources.

• Diplomatic Relations: Statement on Middle East Tensions
  On September 19, 2026, Brunei Darussalam issued a statement expressing deep concern over an attempted drone attack near Makkah Al-Mukarramah on September 15, 2026, and the heightened tensions and hostilities across multiple fronts in the Middle East. The statement emphasized the importance of protecting civilians, respecting sovereignty and territorial integrity, and safeguarding freedom of navigation, particularly in the Strait of Hormuz, which is vital for international trade and energy security.

• Defense Policy and Strategic Shifts: Reaffirmation of China Defense Ties
  Brunei Darussalam and China reaffirmed their longstanding defense ties and discussed opportunities for strengthening practical cooperation during a bilateral meeting on the sidelines of the 13th Beijing Xiangshan Forum, held from September 15 to 17, 2026. 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, exchanging views on regional and international security developments and underscoring the importance of ASEAN-led mechanisms like the ADMM-Plus.

• Cybersecurity: Global Quantum Drill 2026 Achievement
  Cyber Security Brunei (CSB), representing Brunei Darussalam, was awarded First Prize in the Global Quantum Drill 2026, held from September 17 to 18, 2026, at the Dubai Exhibition Centre, Expo City Dubai. This achievement, secured by a team of three individuals, demonstrates CSB's commitment to building national expertise in post-quantum cryptography, preparing for emerging cyber risks, and strengthening Brunei's cybersecurity capabilities.

• Cybersecurity: CySec 2026 Conference
  Brunei Darussalam's fourth Brunei Cyber Security Conference (CySec 2026) officially opened on Tuesday, September 15, 2026, bringing together government officials, industry leaders, diplomats, and cybersecurity practitioners. The conference addressed the growing need to strengthen the resilience of critical infrastructure, highlighting Brunei's proactive approach to cybersecurity in the face of digital risks. Australia also partnered with Brunei's Department of Immigration during this period to conduct training aimed at strengthening cyber resilience in immigration systems.

• Maritime and Border Security: ReCAAP ISC Cluster Meeting
  Brunei hosted the ReCAAP ISC Cluster Meeting 2026 from September 22 to 23, 2026, co-organized by the Royal Brunei Police Force (RBPF) and the National Maritime Coordination Centre (PPMK). The meeting provided a platform for participating countries to exchange information and strengthen cooperation to jointly address regional maritime security challenges, particularly focusing on piracy activities and measures to reduce risks to ships and seafarers.

• Internal Security: Detention of Nationals for National Security Threats
  The Brunei Internal Security Department (ISD) issued detention orders against six local nationals under Section 3(1)(a) of the Internal Security Act (Chapter 133) for activities deemed prejudicial to national security. Investigations revealed that two individuals allegedly conspired with four officers from the Immigration and National Registration Department (INRD) to assist foreign nationals in evading legal action for overstaying or possessing invalid travel documents. This incident, reported on September 22, 2026, by Asia News Network, underscores ongoing efforts to combat corruption and maintain the integrity of national borders.

Geopolitical Impact and Regional Dynamics

Brunei's security developments during this period reflect its consistent foreign policy of active engagement and multilateralism, particularly within ASEAN and its extended frameworks. The conclusion of CARAT Brunei 2026 with the United States and participation in the ADMM-Plus EWG Combined Field Training EXERCISE TRIDENT RESOLVE and Maritime Security Joint Cooperative Activity demonstrate Brunei's commitment to strengthening regional security architecture and enhancing interoperability with major powers and regional partners. These exercises, especially those in the South China Sea, are crucial for maintaining maritime domain awareness and upholding freedom of navigation in a strategically vital region, indirectly influencing the dynamics with major powers like China, which also has significant interests and claims in the area.

The reaffirmation of longstanding defense ties with China at the 13th Beijing Xiangshan Forum, coupled with discussions on regional and international security, highlights Brunei's pragmatic approach to balancing relations with competing global powers. While engaging with the US on maritime security, Brunei also maintains robust defense diplomacy with China, underscoring its non-aligned stance and its strategy of fostering cooperation with all major players to ensure its security and economic interests. This dual engagement strategy is vital for Brunei, a small state with significant hydrocarbon resources, to navigate the complex geopolitical landscape of the Indo-Pacific.

Brunei's diplomatic activities at the 81st UN General Assembly, led by HRH Prince 'Abdul Mateen, further illustrate its role as a responsible international actor. The national statement, participation in OIC and ASEAN-GCC meetings, and bilateral engagements reinforce Brunei's commitment to multilateralism, international law, and peaceful resolution of disputes. The ratification of the BBNJ Agreement is a significant step towards global marine conservation and governance, aligning Brunei with international efforts to protect shared resources. Furthermore, Brunei's strong statement on the Middle East tensions, particularly concerning the drone attack near Makkah Al-Mukarramah and the importance of freedom of navigation in the Strait of Hormuz, reflects its broader concern for global stability and the security of vital trade routes, which directly impact its own energy exports and economic well-being.

Military and Defense Analysis

Brunei's military and defense posture during this period is characterized by a strong emphasis on interoperability and regional cooperation. The Royal Brunei Armed Forces (RBAF) actively participated in multiple multinational exercises, including the conclusion of CARAT Brunei 2026 with the US and the ADMM-Plus EXERCISE TRIDENT RESOLVE in Indonesia. These exercises are critical for enhancing the RBAF's capabilities in areas such as maritime security, anti-submarine warfare, maritime interdiction, and humanitarian assistance and disaster relief (HADR). The deployment of a Royal Brunei Navy Darussalam-class offshore patrol vessel and a Sikorsky S-70i Black Hawk helicopter in CARAT 2026 demonstrates the RBAF's commitment to utilizing its existing assets for complex joint operations.

The focus on maritime domain awareness and command-and-control coordination in these exercises indicates a strategic effort to improve Brunei's ability to monitor and respond to threats in its territorial waters and the wider South China Sea. While Brunei is considered a "silent claimant" in the South China Sea and does not occupy any disputed features, its active participation in maritime security exercises with regional and major powers underscores its commitment to safeguarding its maritime interests and contributing to regional stability. Defense spending trends and major acquisitions were not explicitly detailed in the available news for this specific week, but the consistent engagement in high-level exercises suggests ongoing investment in maintaining and upgrading capabilities to ensure effective participation in such complex operations.

Brunei's defense policy continues to prioritize a collective approach to security, recognizing its relatively smaller military force. This is evident in its engagement through ASEAN-led mechanisms like the ADMM-Plus and bilateral defense dialogues, such as the one with China at the Beijing Xiangshan Forum. The RBAF's participation in components like cybersecurity and military medicine during EXERCISE TRIDENT RESOLVE also highlights a modernization program that extends beyond traditional combat roles to encompass emerging security challenges and non-traditional threats. Overall, Brunei's military analysis points to a well-integrated force focused on enhancing its capabilities through strategic partnerships and multilateral engagements, rather than solely through unilateral force projection.

Outlook and Forecast

Short-term trends (1-3 months): In the immediate future, Brunei is expected to continue its active participation in regional security dialogues and exercises. The momentum from the CARAT Brunei 2026 and ADMM-Plus EXERCISE TRIDENT RESOLVE will likely translate into further collaborative training and information-sharing initiatives with the US, ASEAN member states, and ADMM-Plus partners. Diplomatic engagements, particularly within the UN and ASEAN frameworks, will remain a cornerstone of Brunei's foreign policy, with a continued emphasis on multilateralism and adherence to international law. The focus on cybersecurity, as evidenced by the success in the Global Quantum Drill 2026 and the CySec 2026 conference, suggests a sustained national effort to enhance digital resilience and protect critical infrastructure.

Critical flashpoints and risk areas: The South China Sea remains a persistent area of geopolitical sensitivity. While Brunei maintains a quiet diplomatic approach to its claims, the presence of major power naval exercises and the ongoing disputes pose a potential flashpoint. Any escalation of tensions or incidents involving other claimants could indirectly affect Brunei's maritime security and economic interests. Furthermore, the broader regional and international security landscape, particularly the Middle East tensions and their impact on freedom of navigation in critical waterways like the Strait of Hormuz, presents an external risk to Brunei's energy exports and supply chains. Internally, while the detention of individuals for national security threats related to immigration fraud highlights vigilance, the potential for such illicit activities to facilitate broader criminal enterprises, including human trafficking and smuggling, remains a concern.

Indicators to monitor: Key indicators to monitor include the frequency and scope of Brunei's participation in multinational military exercises, particularly those involving maritime security in the South China Sea. Any shifts in its diplomatic rhetoric or engagement patterns with major powers (US, China) regarding regional disputes would be significant. Progress in implementing the BBNJ Agreement and other international maritime conventions will reflect Brunei's commitment to global governance. Domestically, the effectiveness of the newly formed National Cybersecurity Agency and the outcomes of ongoing immigration enforcement operations will be crucial in assessing internal security resilience.

Strategic recommendations: Brunei should continue to leverage its active participation in ASEAN-led security mechanisms and bilateral defense cooperation to enhance its military capabilities and foster trust with regional and international partners. Sustained investment in maritime domain awareness and cybersecurity infrastructure is paramount to protect its vital economic interests and critical infrastructure. Diplomatically, Brunei should maintain its balanced approach, engaging constructively with all major powers while consistently advocating for peaceful resolution of disputes and adherence to international law. Internally, continued vigilance and robust enforcement against corruption and immigration-related offenses are essential to prevent broader security vulnerabilities. Exploring further regional cooperation on counter-terrorism and transnational crime, building on initiatives like the Sub-Regional Counter-Terrorism Policy Forum, would also strengthen its overall security posture.

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