Fighter planes, hovercraft and armored vehicles: on a Thai beach, American and local soldiers rehearsed the scenario of a landing on Friday, as part of Cobra Gold, one of the largest military exercises in Asia, with nearly 6,000 IM this year.
The 42nd edition of Cobra Gold, which is held annually, marks a return to normal after the restrictions linked to the coronavirus pandemic.
Thousands of soldiers from the United States, Thailand and other Asian countries (Singapore, Indonesia, Malaysia, South Korea, and Japan) have gathered since Monday, and until March 10, for a series of exercises spouses who aim to strengthen their bonds.
With some 6,000 members, the American delegation has more than quadrupled in one year, to establish its influence in this highly strategic region of the world, the scene of its rivalry with China.
“While we all speak different languages, we move forward with common ties, and the idea of moving towards a free and open Indo-Pacific,” said captain Jonathan Coronel.
Cobra Gold exercises include lessons in jungle survival and how to apprehend snakes.
Dozens of American, Thai and South Korean soldiers coordinated Friday during an amphibious operation which also mobilized fighter jets, on the beach of a navy base three hours drive from Bangkok, in the Chonburi province (East).
“These are complex operations. It’s very important to train together,” Cherngchai Chomcherngpat, commander-in-chief of the Thai navy, told reporters.
“We have good cooperation in the region. If there are tensions, we can solve the problem and fight the uncertainties,” the Admiral continued.