Cambodia, U.S. to resume joint drills and expand defence training

PHNOM PENH, April 1, 2026 (KPT) – Cambodia and the United States will restart joint military exercises and broaden defence training programs, officials said Monday, marking a significant step in renewed cooperation after Washington lifted its arms embargo last year.

Lieutenant General Rath Dararoth received U.S. Army Colonel Kyle Saltzman at the Ministry of National Defense in Phnom Penh, where the two sides discussed plans to strengthen collaboration between the Cambodian armed forces and the U.S. military.

The talks focused on resuming joint exercises, including the Angkor Sentinel drills suspended since 2017, aimed at reinforcing interoperability, professional training and ties between the two militaries.

Officials said the renewed engagement will also expand opportunities for Cambodian officers to train at U.S. military academies and increase high level defence exchanges.

Planned initiatives include U.S. naval visits to Cambodia’s Ream Naval Base, reflecting a broader warming of military to military relations.

The meeting comes after Washington’s late 2025 decision to remove restrictions on arms sales to Cambodia, a policy shift that opened the way for expanded defence cooperation following years of strained ties over Phnom Penh’s military relationship with China.