His Majesty Sultan Haji Hassanal Bolkiah Mu'izzaddin Waddaulah ibni Al-Marhum Sultan Haji Omar 'Ali Saifuddien Sa'adul Khairi Waddien, Sultan and Yang Di-Pertuan of Brunei Darussalam, graced the Introduction to Service Ceremony for two of the four newly acquired C-295MW aircraft for the Royal Brunei Air Force. The procurement and introduction of the new aircraft is an important historical chapter for the development of Royal Brunei Air Force in particular, and the Royal Brunei Armed Forces, RBAF in general, to carry out missions for the nation, as well as regionally and internationally. The ceremony was held at the Air Movement Centre, Rimba Air Force Base. Also present was His Royal Highness 920 Major Udara Prince 'Abdul Mateen. Upon arrival, His Majesty was greeted by Yang Berhormat Pehin Datu Lailaraja Retired Major General Dato Paduka Seri Haji Awang Halbi bin Haji Mohd Yussof, Minister at the Prime Minister's Office and Second Minister of Defence; Commander of the RBAF and the Commander of the Royal Brunei Air Force.
His Majesty received the Royal Salute and inspected the Guard of Honour. His Majesty then delivered a Titah to officiate the Introduction to Service of the two aircrafts. Doa Selamat was read by Commander Haji Ainolnizam bin Haji Ibrahim, Royal Brunei Navy, Director of the Religious Directorate of RBAF JAMA'AT.
The two new aircraft were designated as 'TUDB 502' and 'TUDB 503' that are capable of fulfilling various roles including Troop and Cargo Transport. Its pilots and aircrews will begin training in the Southeast Asian region in preparation for various strategic and tactical transport missions at the regional and international levels including Humanitarian Assistance and Disaster Relief operations.
His Majesty then proceeded to the Air Movement Centre, for a flight and safety brief. His Majesty then piloted the'C-295MW', 'TUDB 502' aircraft. Upon landing, His Majesty proceeded for the Royal Luncheon.
With the new aircrafts, it enable the Royal Brunei Air Force to carry out various strategic and tactical transport missions.
News courtesy of Radio Television Brunei
Photo courtesy of InfoForo