Brunei Opens Tender for Next-Gen UAVs to Boost Defence

Brunei Targets Next-Generation Surveillance with New UAV Procurement Tender

Mohd Hanif Ismail - : Oct 7, 2025 - : 4:31 pm

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The Ministry of Defence (MINDEF) in Brunei Darussalam has officially opened a crucial international tender for the procurement of advanced Unmanned Aerial Vehicle (UAV) and Vertical Take-off and Landing (VTOL) UAV systems, a strategic move that underscores the nation’s commitment to modernising its military intelligence, surveillance, target acquisition, and reconnaissance (ISTAR) capabilities. This procurement, bearing the reference MINDEF/DFA/FY2025/LB/TA/010, represents a significant market opportunity for international defence and aerospace contractors as Brunei executes its latest strategic plans.

Modernising the Royal Brunei Armed Forces

Brunei's Royal Brunei Armed Forces (RBAF) is currently undergoing a comprehensive modernisation programme, guided by its Defence White Paper 2021. The national defence posture is being redefined to navigate an increasingly complex and dynamic security environment, with a strong focus on leveraging innovation and technology to achieve a modern, Joint operational output that remains both sustainable and affordable. This shift has been backed by substantial budget increases, with the government allotting a B796.3 million (approximately US594 million) defence budget for the 2024/2025 fiscal year, representing a significant jump over the previous allocation. The tender directly supports the stated objective of improving ISTAR systems, which are crucial for monitoring the country's territorial integrity and maritime borders. Brunei has already moved to adopt drone technology, establishing its first dedicated drone unit following the receipt of Insitu-made Integrator drones in 2022.

The Procurement Details

The tender specifically calls for the supply of an Unmanned Aerial Vehicle and a VTOL Unmanned Aerial Vehicle, alongside all associated accessories. Key technical requirements highlight a demand for a high-specification multirotor system with advanced operational features. The primary UAV unit must possess a diameter of at least 1.60 metres (motor-to-motor), be capable of carrying a maximum payload of at least 10 kilograms, and demonstrate a substantial flight time of a minimum of 50 minutes without a payload. A key technical requirement is the mandate for a Pixhawk-based or equivalent open-source flight controller that supports Mission Planner or similar software. This stipulation for open-architecture software suggests a desire for complete modification and programmability of UAV parameters, including the programming of autonomous waypoint missions and telemetry receipt. Logistical requirements also stipulate that the system must be easily transportable by a maximum of two persons, feature a payload release mechanism, and be supplied with Lithium-Polymer (Li-Po) batteries and fast charging equipment.

Interested parties are required to submit a non-refundable tender fee of B10.00 (approximately US7.50). The tender was published on 29 September 2025, with a payment deadline for the fees set for 21 October 2025. The final closing date for submissions is 28 October 2025, before 2:00 pm.

Bolstering Regional Surveillance

This procurement aligns precisely with a wider regional trend of accelerated defence spending and military modernisation across the Asia-Pacific. With intensifying strategic competition and numerous flashpoints, particularly over territorial and maritime disputes such as the South China Sea—where Brunei is a claimant state—the focus on unmanned systems for persistent surveillance is paramount. Countries throughout Southeast Asia are increasingly bolstering their capacity to monitor and secure their sea lines of communication and sovereign waters. The demand for UAVs, and particularly VTOL platforms that can operate from limited spaces like naval vessels, reflects the need for flexible, high-end, intelligence-gathering assets. For international suppliers, Brunei's tender offers a key entry point into a sophisticated regional defence market that is prioritising technological superiority and operational flexibility.