Commander of the Royal Brunei Navy Makes Introductory Visit to Singapore

Commander of the Royal Brunei Navy (RBN) First Admiral (FADM) Sahibul Bahari Bin Haji Zainal Abidin called on Minister for Defence, Mr Chan Chun Sing at the Ministry of Defence (MINDEF) this afternoon. During their meeting, Mr Chan and FADM Sahibul reaffirmed the close and long-standing bilateral defence ties, highlighting that 2026 commemorates the 50th anniversary of defence relations between Singapore and Brunei. They also discussed ways for the Republic of Singapore Navy (RSN) and the RBN to expand cooperation in areas of mutual interest and spoke about regional security developments.

FADM Sahibul is in Singapore from 14 to 16 April 2026 for his introductory visit, during which he also called on Chief of Navy Rear Admiral Sean Wat after inspecting the Guard of Honour at MINDEF earlier today. As part of his visit, FADM Sahibul visited the RSN's Naval Diving Unit at Sembawang Camp, where he received briefs on Singapore's maritime security environment and developments of the RSN, including unmanned capabilities.

FADM Sahibul's visit underscores the close and long-standing bilateral defence ties between Singapore and Brunei, which are underpinned by high-level visits, professional exchanges, and bilateral exercises such as Exercise Pelican. These interactions have deepened the mutual understanding and strengthened bonds between personnel from both navies.