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​​RIMBA AIR FORCE BASE, Friday, 08 August 2025 – Royal Brunei Air Force (RBAirF) and Royal Thai Air Force (RTAF) successfully concluded the Black Hawk S-70i Maintenance Subject Matter Expert Exchange (SMEE) Programme 2025, which was held from 4 to 8 August 2025 in Negara Brunei Darussalam. The programme served as a strategic platform for enhancing bilateral cooperation, strengthening technical knowledge and promoting the exchange of best practices in aircraft maintenance, particularly on the Black Hawk S-70i platform.

Hosted by No. 5 Wing, the SMEE activities were primarily conducted at Tera Lab, Hangar B, Rimba Air Force Base. The programme brought together air force personnel from both air forces to engage in a series of technical discussions, knowledge-sharing sessions, and professional interactions focused on maintenance procedures and engineering standards. Delegates from the RTAF worked closely with members of No. 5 Wing specifically 51 Squadron and the Air Engineering Unit, fostering mutual understanding and deepening professional ties between the two air forces.

In addition to technical engagement, the programme also included cultural visits, reflecting Brunei's hospitality and commitment to defence diplomacy. The RTAF delegation paid a visit to the Royal Brunei Armed Forces Museum and participated in various heritage and recreational activities such as the Kampong Ayer tour and Royal Regalia Museum visit.

The programme concluded with a Farewell Dinner on 7 August 2025 at Jade House, The Centrepoint Hotel, Gadong. The guest of honour was Colonel (U) Pengiran Hasrul Ariffin bin Pengiran Haji Rosley, Commander of Support Group, RBAirF. Also present were Group Captain Karn Kongsuwan, Head of the RTAF Delegation, RTAF delegates, officers and No. 5 Wing personnel. The event featured a group photograph, recital of Surah Al-Fatihah, a speech of appreciation by Major (U) Mohammad Hazwan bin Husny, Chairman of the SMEE Programme, and the exchange of tokens of appreciation. A video presentation highlighted key activities and achievements from the week, followed by dinner shared in a warm and collegial atmosphere.

The Black Hawk S-70i Maintenance SMEE Programme 2025 stands as a testament to the strong and growing partnership between the Royal Brunei Air Force and the Royal Thai Air Force. It reflects both air forces' shared commitment to enhancing technical collaboration, operational readiness, and regional security through enduring professional relationships.

PROGRAM SMEE PENYELENGGARAAN BLACKHAWK S70i ANTARA TUDB & TUDT

PANGKALAN TENTERA UDARA RIMBA, Juma'at, 08 Ogos 2025 – Tentera Udara Diraja Brunei (TUDB) dan Tentera Udara Diraja Thailand (RTAF) telah berjaya menamatkan Program Pertukaran Pakar Subjek (SMEE) Penyelenggaraan Black Hawk S-70i 2025, yang telah berlangsung dari 4 hingga 8 Ogos 2025 di Negara Brunei Darussalam. Program ini menjadi platform strategik bagi memperkukuh kerjasama dua hala, mempertingkatkan pengetahuan teknikal serta mempromosikan perkongsian amalan terbaik dalam penyelenggaraan pesawat, khususnya bagi platform Black Hawk S-70i.

Program ini telah dianjurkan oleh Cawangan No. 5 dan aktiviti utamanya dilaksanakan di Tera Lab, Hangar B, Pangkalan Tentera Udara Rimba. Program ini menghimpunkan anggota dari kedua-dua angkatan tentera udara untuk menyertai sesi perbincangan teknikal, perkongsian ilmu, dan interaksi profesional yang tertumpu kepada prosedur penyelenggaraan serta piawaian kejuruteraan. Delegasi RTAF bekerjasama rapat dengan anggota dari Cawangan No. 5, khususnya Skuadron 51 dan Unit Kejuruteraan Udara, dalam usaha memperkukuh persefahaman bersama dan menjalin hubungan profesional yang lebih erat antara kedua-dua pihak.

Selain penglibatan teknikal, program ini turut merangkumi lawatan budaya yang mencerminkan nilai keramahan Brunei dan komitmen terhadap diplomasi pertahanan. Delegasi RTAF telah mengunjungi Muzium Angkatan Bersenjata Diraja Brunei dan turut serta dalam pelbagai aktiviti warisan serta rekreasi seperti lawatan ke Kampong Ayer dan Muzium Alat Kebesaran Diraja.

Program ini diakhiri dengan Majlis Makan Malam Perpisahan pada 7 Ogos 2025, bertempat di Restoran Jade House, Hotel The Centrepoint, Gadong. Tetamu kehormat ialah Kolonel (U) Pengiran Hasrul Ariffin bin Pengiran Haji Rosley, Pemerintah Kumpulan Bantu, TUDB. Turut hadir ialah Kolonel Kumpulan Karn Kongsuwan, Ketua Delegasi RTAF, delegasi RTAF, pegawai-pegawai serta anggota Cawangan No. 5. Majlis dimulakan dengan sesi bergambar berkumpulan dan bacaan Surah Al-Fatihah, diikuti dengan ucapan penghargaan oleh Mejar (U) Mohammad Hazwan bin Husny, Pengerusi Program SMEE. Majlis turut menyaksikan pertukaran cenderahati penghargaan yang disampaikan oleh tetamu kehormat, serta tayangan video yang memaparkan aktiviti utama dan pencapaian sepanjang program, diakhiri dengan jamuan makan malam dalam suasana mesra dan harmoni.

Program SMEE Penyelenggaraan Black Hawk S-70i 2025 menjadi bukti kepada hubungan kerjasama yang semakin kukuh antara TUDB dan TUDT, mencerminkan komitmen bersama dalam mempertingkatkan kerjasama teknikal, kesiapsiagaan operasi serta keselamatan serantau melalui jalinan profesional yang berterusan.