Abu Dhabi, 12 August 2026: Rabdan Security and Defence Institute (RSDI) held a closed-door online discussion with researchers from Brunei’s Sultan Haji Hassanal Bolkiah Institute of Defence and Strategic Studies (SHIBIDDS), bringing together researchers and practitioners to exchange perspectives on airpower and the evolving character of modern warfare.
The discussion explored emerging operational challenges, technological developments and the implications of recent conflicts for small states, with particular attention to how changes in airpower are shaping contemporary defence and security considerations.
Dr Jack Harding, Interim Manager of RSDI, provided an overview of the Institute’s research focus and capabilities and engaged with SHIBIDDS researchers on areas of shared professional and academic interest.
Dr Abdul Rahman Yaacob opened the session, while Dr Olli Suorsa shared his expertise on airpower, focusing on the challenges and opportunities facing small states in an increasingly complex security environment.
The discussion was further enriched by the participation of the Chief of Staff of the Royal Brunei Land Force, adding a practitioner perspective to the exchange on contemporary operational challenges and the future requirements of defence institutions.
The engagement reflects RSDI’s continued efforts to strengthen international professional and academic exchange in defence and security and to create platforms for informed dialogue on emerging strategic challenges. It also supports the Institute’s role in advancing research and knowledge exchange on issues relevant to national security, resilience and the changing character of warfare.
