Samdech Techo Hun Sen Says Cambodia Can Meet Defence Needs Through Domestic Production

PHNOM PENH, June 12, 2026 (KPT) — Cambodia’s acting head of state Samdech Techo Hun Sen said the country is now capable of producing key military equipment domestically, reducing reliance on foreign suppliers and strengthening national defence.

Inspecting the DSS military equipment and body armour factory in Battambang province on Thursday, Samdech Techo said the facility was already supplying high‑quality protective gear and uniforms to the armed forces and security agencies.

He noted that body armour produced at the plant had been tested by Prime Minister Hun Manet and met required standards, meaning Cambodia no longer needed to import protective vests and certain equipment.

Samdech Techo Hun Sen, who also serves as Senior Logistics Chief for the Armed Forces, said the government had ordered uniforms worth about US$7.5 million within just over three months of the factory’s operation.

He argued Cambodia possessed the skills and resources to manufacture its own supplies, adding that the factory could eventually export to friendly countries with government approval.

He stressed the purpose of domestic production was defensive, not offensive, and rejected reports that Cambodia had purchased tanks for deployment along the Thai border.

Hun Sen reiterated Cambodia’s commitment to diplomacy and dialogue but warned the country would defend itself if attacked.

Earlier this year, Samdech Techo Hun Sen publicly disclosed that the DSS factory was his own enterprise.

The facility is part of broader efforts to expand Cambodia’s industrial capacity in sectors linked to national security and reduce dependence on imports.