Australian Defence Force and Royal Brunei Navy hold joint maritime security exercise

The Royal Brunei Navy and the Australian Defence Force have commenced Exercise Penguin 25, the leading bilateral maritime security activity between the two countries.

From 9 September in Brunei, personnel from both nation’s defence forces will undertake a number of training exercises to enhance interoperability and mutual support.

Commander of the Royal Brunei Navy, First Admiral Sahibul Bahari bin Haji Zainal Abidin, said the exercise would continue to build maritime security and cooperation between the countries.

“Australia and Brunei Darussalam’s long-standing defence relationship dates back to World War II, and is underpinned by strong people-to-people links and a shared interest in a stable, secure, and prosperous region,” First Admiral Sahibul Bahari said.

“We look forward to hosting the event and for members of the Royal Brunei Navy to train alongside the Royal Australian Navy to increase our capacity to support each other in the Indo-Pacific region.”

Royal Brunei Navy assets participating in Exercise Penguin 25 includes Patrol Vessel KDB Darussalam, Ijhtihad-Class Fast Patrol Boat KDB Afiat, and a team from the Naval Surface Action Group.

Australian participation will comprise of Anzac Class frigate HMAS Ballarat and a Royal Australian Air Force P-8A Poseidon maritime patrol aircraft.

Australia’s Chief of Navy, Vice Admiral Mark Hammond, AO, RAN, said both defence forces were committed to boosting cooperation under the Australia-Brunei Darussalam Comprehensive Partnership and accompanying Plan of Action.

“This year will be the 20th iteration of Exercise Penguin, further reinforcing the depth and growing collaboration between our defence forces,” Vice Admiral Hammond said.

“Australia highly values our maritime security relationship with Brunei and together I am confident we will continue to collectively meet any challenges or threats to regional peace and security.”

Exercise Penguin 25 will conclude on 14 September after the completion of a number of sea and air surface warfare training exercises off the coast of Brunei Darussalam.

Media note:
Imagery will be available at http://images.defence.gov.au/S20252491