(DEFENCE SECURITY ASIA) — Several days ago, a pair of fifth-generation F-35A fighter jets from the United States Air Force made their inaugural landing in Brunei Darussalam, marking a historic moment in the defense relations between the two nations.
These aircraft, belonging to the 356th Expeditionary Fighter Squadron based at Eielson Air Force Base in Alaska, touched down at Rimba Air Base on March 1.
According to a statement from the U.S. Embassy in Bandar Seri Begawan, this visit aimed to strengthen relations with the Royal Brunei Air Force through an familiarization tour.
Brunei’s Air Force Commander, Brigadier General Datuk Seri Pahlawan Mohd Shariff Haji Ibrahim, had the opportunity to meet the fighter jets’ crew and maintenance team, and closely inspect the advanced aircraft.
The arrival of the F-35 fighters coincided with the visit of Jedidiah P.Royal, Deputy Assistant Secretary of Defense of the United States, and Major General Mark Webber, Assistant to the Commander of the Pacific Air Forces, to Brunei.
This visit by the high-ranking U.S. officials was intended for discussions with their Bruneian counterparts, commemorating the 40th anniversary of bilateral relations between the two countries.
The strategic location of the small nation of Brunei, near the South China Sea, holds significant interest for the United States in strengthening its defense ties.
Like Sabah and Sarawak, Brunei faces the South China Sea, a region partially or wholly claimed by China, which asserts that these crucial waters for global trade belong to it.
Moreover, Brunei’s maritime waters are acknowledged for their rich oil and gas resources.
In recent years, the Exclusive Economic Zone (EEZ) of Brunei has frequently been encroached upon by Chinese coast guard vessels patrolling the area.
The visit of the two U.S. F-35 fighter jets raises the question of whether Brunei may be interested in acquiring these advanced fighters, following the example of Singapore.
From 2026 to 2030, Singapore will begin receiving its first batch of F-35 fighters out of the 20 it has ordered.
For Brunei, financial constraints are unlikely to be an issue should it decide to purchase the F-35 jets. — DSA