Brunei (Commonwealth Union)_ The Indo Pacific Endeavour 2022 (IPE 02/2022) is a yearly defense-led international engagement in Australia that aims to enhance the country’s commitment and relationship in the Indo-Pacific region. Accordingly, the Frigate HMAS ANZAC of the Royal Australian Navy (RAN) vessel arrived at Brunei Darussalam’s seas on November 15 and proceeded to Indonesia on November 17. The task group has visited seven nations in the Asia-Pacific area and will continue to do so.
The launching event of IPE 02/2022 between the Royal Brunei Armed Forces (RBAF) and the Australian Defence Force (ADF) was held on November 14, and was co-chaired by RBAF Lieutenant Colonel Aldi bin Haji Hassan, the Acting Deputy Joint Force Commander of Joint Force Headquarters (Act DJFC, JFHQ), and ADF Colonel Douglas Pashley, the Commander of the Landing Force of the Australian Amphibious Task Group.
The purpose of the coastal hook landing demonstration was to showcase Australia’s amphibious capabilities as well as enhance cooperation between the two armies. Senior authorities from the RBAF and ADF were present for the demonstration, including Luke Arnold, the Australian High Commissioner to Brunei Darussalam; Air Vice-Marshal Stephen Meredith AM, DSM; Commander of IPE 02/2022 Deputy Chief of Air Force of the ADF Commodore Mal Wise; and the Joint Force Commander (JFC) of the RBAF, Brigadier General (U) Dato Seri Pahlawan Haji Alirupendi bin Haji Alirupendi bin Haji Perudin.
At the closing ceremony, Brigadier General (U) Dato Seri Pahlawan Haji Alirupendi and Commodore Wise expressed optimism over the success of IPE 02/2022 and highlighted the significance of IPE 02/2022 in enhancing the long-standing bilateral relations between the two nations. Both the opening and closing ceremonies took place remotely in the briefing room of the JFHQ. Additionally, a number of at-sea, air, and on-land exercises were scheduled during IPE 02/2022, along with several subject matter expert exchange (SMEE) initiatives, including the maritime security workshop, women peace and security, religious dialogue, and aircraft P-8A information sharing.
