Cambodian, U.S. Militaries Begin Detailed Planning for Angkor Sentinel Exercise

The Royal Cambodian Army, in cooperation with the National Centre for Peacekeeping Forces, Mine and ERW Clearance, the U.S. Army Pacific, and the Idaho National Guard, held the Initial Planning Conference (IPC) for the Angkor Sentinel Exercise 2027 from Aug. 31 to Sept. 4, 2026. The conference marked an important step toward the resumption of the bilateral exercise after a decade-long suspension. During the meeting, the two sides discussed key training activities, including command-post exercises and professional exchanges in medical services, engineering, and explosive ordnance disposal and unexploded ordnance (EOD/UXO). The Angkor Sentinel Exercise 2027 is scheduled to take place in February 2027. The exercise aims to strengthen interoperability and disaster-response capabilities, reflecting renewed momentum in Cambodia-U.S. military cooperation and the two countries’ shared commitment to strengthening defence cooperation. This resumption of the exercise signifies Cambodia's intent to modernize its military and contribute to regional security, while also being part of the U.S.'s broader strategy to strengthen ties with allies and partners in the Indo-Pacific. While Cambodia has deepened military exchanges with China in recent years, this exercise with the U.S. suggests an effort to maintain diverse security partnerships and diplomatic balance.