U.S. and Royal Brunei air forces partner for Pacific Angel 26-1 humanitarian exercise

RIMBA AIR BASE, Brunei — U.S. Pacific Air Forces and the Royal Brunei Air Force will run a joint search and rescue exercise, PACIFIC ANGEL 26-1, from August 25 to September 5, 2026, aimed at sharpening coordination and readiness for regional contingencies.

The training will span a range of mission areas, including search and rescue drills, airdrops of personnel and equipment over land and sea, and exchanges focused on aeromedical procedures and cargo handling. The effort is intended to improve how the two air forces operate together during complex missions.

Aircraft participating in the exercise will be based at Rimba Air Base, a joint-use facility that shares operations with Brunei International Airport in Bandar Seri Begawan. Alongside flight operations, U.S. and Bruneian teams will conduct subject matter expert exchanges designed to prepare both militaries to carry out theater plans tied to regional crises and humanitarian assistance and disaster relief.

Organizers say the exercise seeks to bolster combined capabilities, assess and support Brunei’s long-term modernization goals, and reinforce ties between the United States and regional allies and partners.

U.S. Pacific Air Forces is the air component of the U.S. Pacific Command, with a primary mission to provide air and space power in support of U.S. interests across the region.