Australia and Brunei Build Interoperability at Sea

21 September 2025

During Exercise Penguin 2025, the Royal Australian Navy’s HMAS Ballarat sailed alongside the Royal Brunei Navy’s KDB Darulaman and KDB Berkat, while P-8A Poseidon patrol in the air, strengthening bilateral maritime security training between the two nations (photos: Aus DoD)

Australia and Brunei strengthen defence ties

For the first time since 2018, the Royal Australian Navy and the Royal Brunei Navy have completed Exercise Penguin, a bilateral maritime security activity aimed at building interoperability and strengthening partnerships.

HMAS Ballarat and a Royal Australian Air Force P-8A Poseidon maritime patrol aircraft worked with Royal Brunei Navy patrol vessel KDB Darulaman, Ijtihad-class fast patrol boat KDB Berkat, and a team from the Naval Surface Action Group during the exercise, which ran from September 9-14. 

Commander of the Royal Brunei Navy First Admiral Sahibul Bahari bin Haji Zainal Abidin said the exercise continued to build maritime security and cooperation between the two countries.

“Australia and Brunei Darussalam’s long-standing defence relationship dates back to World War 2, and is underpinned by strong people-to-people links and a shared interest in a stable, secure and prosperous region,” First Admiral Sahibul Bahari said.

'Exercise Penguin is more than a training activity – it is a symbol of the deep friendship and enduring partnership between our two nations, and our two navies.'

Commanding Officer Ballarat Commander Dean Uren welcomed the opportunity to visit Brunei Darussalam.

“Exercise Penguin is more than a training activity – it is a symbol of the deep friendship and enduring partnership between our two nations, and our two navies,” Commander Uren said.

“The bonds forged through activities like these not only sharpen our ability to operate together today, but also anchor a partnership that will endure and grow stronger for generations to come.”

Chief of Navy Vice Admiral Mark Hammond said both defence forces are committed to boosting cooperation under the Australia-Brunei Darussalam Comprehensive Partnership and accompanying Plan of Action.

“This year is the 19th iteration of Exercise Penguin, further reinforcing the depth and growing collaboration between our defence forces,” Vice Admiral Hammond said.

“Australia highly values our maritime security relationship with Brunei and together I am confident we will continue to collectively meet any challenges or threats to regional peace and security.”

Exercise Penguin concluded on September 14 after a number of sea and air surface warfare training exercises off the coast of Brunei Darussalam.

Ballarat will now sail to Malaysia for Exercise Bersama Lima and further engagements as part of its regional presence deployment before returning home in December.

(Aus DoD)