US military exercise Cobra Gold set to kick off
Thailand and the United States will co-host the annual multilateral Exercise Cobra Gold military exercises in various areas throughout the Kingdom from February 14 to 24.
Exercise Cobra Gold, the largest multilateral military exercise in Asia, has taken place annually for more than 30 years. The exercises this year will bring together more than two dozen nations to address regional and global security challenges and promote international cooperation and stability within the region.
The exercise is intended to strengthen regional cooperation and collaboration, increase the ability of participating nations to work together on complex multilateral operations such as enhancing maritime security, preventing and mitigating emerging disease threats, and responding to large-scale natural disasters.
It aims to improve the capabilities of participating nations to plan and conduct combined, joint operations, build relationships across the region and improve interoperability across a wide range of security activities.
The 36th Cobra Gold this year will consist of three primary events: A staff exercise that includes a senior leader seminar, humanitarian civic assistance projects in Thai communities, and a field-training exercise that includes a variety of training events to strengthen regional relationships and enhance interoperability.
As many as 29 nations will participate or observe the exercise, with approximately 3,600 US personnel directly taking part in various events.