The Royal Brunei Air Force - which currently only operates helicopters, primary trainers and small transport aircraft - is believed to be considering the introduction of a light combat capability, with several aircraft under active consideration. These are believed to include the Saab Gripen, the Korea Aerospace Industries T-50 and the new BAE Systems Hawk 128, which the RBAF is expected to evaluate and test fly at Asian Aerospace 2006.
Brunei first unveiled plans to build up an attack aircraft capability during the mid-1990s when it reportedly came close to acquiring six Hawk 100 trainers and four single-seat Hawk 200 light attack aircraft. The service did take delivery of four Pilatus PC-7 trainers and BAE, which has a strong presence in Brunei through its sale of frigates, remained engaged and is now aggressively marketing the new Hawk Mk128 to meet the RBAF requirement.
Source: Flight Daily News
