HIS Royal Highness Prince ‘Abdul Wakeel and Her Royal Highness Princess Ameerah Wardatul Bolkiah yesterday visited the Brunei International Defence Exhibition (BRIDEX) 2013 followed by a royal tour of the static display at the Royal Brunei Air Force Rimba Air Base.

On hand to welcome Their Royal Highnesses at BRIDEX was Royal Brunei Armed Forces (RBAF) Commander, Major General Dato Paduka Seri Hj Aminuddin Ihsan bin Pehin Orang Kaya Saiful Mulok Dato Seri Paduka Haji Abidin; Datin Paduka Hjh Suriyah bte Hj Umar, Permanent Secretary (Administration and Finance) at the Ministry of Defence; and Hjh Rosmawati Hj Manaf, CEO of Royal Brunei Technical Service and Exhibition Director.

At the BRIDEX Dome, Their Royal Highnesses witnessed a spectacular 30-minute air demonstration from participating countries executing death-defying manoeuvres by various fighter jets and military aircrafts.

Shortly after the air demonstration, Their Royal Highnesses proceeded to the BRIDEX halls and viewed exhibits of military prowess and advance defence technology on display.

As part of the royal tour, Their Royal Highnesses were brought inside the S-70i Black Hawk helicopter that was recently delivered to the Royal Brunei Air Force by Sikorsky Aircraft Cooperation.

At the Polish Pavilion, Their Royal Highnesses got behind the wheels of an armoured personal carrier, the AMV Rosomak (“Wolverine” in Polish) and wore the thermal and infra-red camera at the CWT Defence Services Division booth, and enjoyed the flight simulation training at the CAE booth.

Before leaving the BRIDEX Exhibition Centre, His Royal Highness Prince ‘Abdul Wakeel and Her Royal Highness Princess Ameerah Wardatul Bolkiah briefly visited BRIDEX Hall 2 where His Royal Highness explored the armoured vehicle at the Rheinmetal Defence booth.

From BRIDEX Exhibition Centre, His Royal Highness Prince ‘Abdul Wakeel and Her Royal Highness Princess Ameerah Wardatul Bolkiah visited the static displays at the Royal Brunei Air Force Rimba Air Base.

They were greeted on arrival by the Commander of the Royal Brunei Air Force, Brigadier General (U) Haji Wardi bin Haji Abd Latif.

At the Rimba Air Base, Their Royal Highnesses toured all the aircrafts showcased by the Indonesian National Air Force, Royal Malaysian Air Force, Republic of Singapore Air Force, Royal Thai Air Force, United States Marine Corps and Air Force. - Borneo Bulletin (5 December 2013)