Cambodia Deploys New Frigate for Territorial Waters Training

PHNOM PENH, Aug 8, 2026 (KPT) – The Royal Cambodian Navy has commenced a training exercise by deploying its new frigate, the Koh Kong Senchey (Hull Number 622), within the country’s territorial waters. This initiative is part of broader efforts to enhance the operational capabilities of the navy. The maneuvers are designed to improve the Royal Cambodian Navy’s readiness to safeguard sovereignty and territorial integrity, according to authorities. The exercise will also serve to provide crews with valuable experience in operating the modern vessel and sharpen their technical skills. The deployment of the frigate comes as Phnom Penh continues to pursue a long-term strategy for modernizing its defense forces and developing its military personnel. Samdech Tea Banh, Supreme Privy Councillor to King Norodom Sihamoni and former Minister of Defence, attended the departure of the vessel on Saturday. This move by Cambodia to bolster its naval capacity is seen in the context of deepening security cooperation with China. The training exercise not only demonstrates an effort to enhance self-defense capabilities but can also be interpreted as a signal of Cambodia's intent to adapt to the evolving regional security landscape.