The establishment of the Ministry of Defence on the 1st January 1984 marked a new era for Brunei Darussalam's defence. This marked the beginning for Brunei Darussalam to be responsible in handling its own defence matters.

With the establishment, Al Marhum Sultan Omar 'Ali Saifuddien Sa'adul Khairi Waddien, who was then called Duli Yang Teramat Mulia Paduka Seri Begawan Sultan Sir Muda Haji Omar 'Ali Saifuddien Sa'adul Khairi Waddien, the father of His Majesty The Sultan and Yang Di-Pertuan Negara Brunei Darussalam assumed the position of the Minister of Defence. On the demise of the Al Marhum on 7 September 1986, His Majesty The Sultan and Yang Di-Pertuan assumed the position of Minister of Defence.

With His Majesty's vision and guidance, the alignment programme and Strategic Planning was introduced. The Ministry of Defence has been proactive when deciding the Ministry's vision and mission. The vision of the Ministry is 'Gallantry in Defence' and the mission of the Ministry is to protect the national sovereignty, territorial integrity and support the philosophy of Malay Islamic Monarchy.