Yesterday, I accompanied the Commander of the Royal Brunei Armed Forces (RBAF )on an inspection of 4 RAF Typhoon (Eurofighter) visiting Brunei at the end of a 6 week deployment in Asia.
The 4 aircraft were an impressive sight, lined up next to each other at Rimba Air Base and with an accompanying Voyager refuelling aircraft in the background. As the RBAF Commander climbed into the cockpit for a tour of the controls, Wing Commander Roger Elliot briefed me on the last six weeks.
8 Typhoons were deployed in total to take part in a series of training exercises in Asia. Firstly, in Malaysia as part of the UK’s commitment to the Five Powers Defence Arrangement, then for joint exercises with Japan and finally on exercises in the Republic of Korea. The planes were now en route back to the UK, with Singapore the next stop after Brunei.
After viewing the Typhoons, we went aboard the Voyager aircraft and were all impressed by how it meets the technical challenge of inflight refuelling for the Typhoons.
This major RAF deployment was a reminder of the importance the UK attaches to its relations with Asia Pacific, including the many training and defence engagement links we have with countries in this region. The Typhoon aircraft display world class, cutting edge technology including from British companies such as BAE Systems.
I was delighted that Brunei was included in the Typhoons’ visit to Asia. Once again, the visit underlined the close links between the Royal Air Force and the Brunei Royal Air Force, with officers from the two countries recalling their flight experiences in the UK and catching up on news of mutual acquaintances. Currently, His Royal Highness Prince Mateen is continuing that long tradition by undertaking RAF Flight Training in England.