NationThailand-Dec 16
Cambodia’s decade-long arms build-up, mostly from China, is reshaping the Thai–Cambodia battlefield—now with “5G-era” guided missiles. Cambodia has spent the past decade steadily expanding its arsenal, fueling confidence in Phnom Penh that it can stand up to any neighboring country. Much of that build-up has been linked to deepening military co-operation with China, including annual joint drills—most notably the large-scale “Golden Dragon” exercises, typically held each May. The co-operation extends beyond ground training: Cambodia and China have also staged land-and-sea drills focused on counter-terrorism and security, with Chinese naval vessels calling at Ream Naval Base and taking part in live-fire activity. As a result, around 90% of Cambodia’s accumulated weapons are said to have come from China, with the remaining 10% sourced from Soviet-era suppliers. The stockpile cited in the account includes systems such as the SH-1 self-propelled howitzer, with a stated range of 30–53km and the ability to fire laser-guided rounds. Cambodia is also described as fielding multiple rocket launcher systems—Type 90B/RM-70/BM-21—with ranges of 20–40km, which have been used during the current fighting to strike both military and civilian targets, including Kantharalak district in Si Sa Ket. Air defense has also become part of the equation. The KS-1C system, with a stated range of 70km, is described as capable of tracking and locking on to Thai fighter aircraft such as the F-16 and Gripen when they conduct missions requested by the army and navy. Read more at:
