The annual multilateral military drill named “Cobra Gold” hosted byThailand and the US kicked off in Thailand’s northern province ofPhitsanulok on February 11.
Armed forces from Thailand, the US, Japan, the Republic of Korea, Singapore, Indonesia and Malaysia are participating in the 33 rd exercise, which is scheduled to end on February 21.
Besides, at least 20 other nations, including China, Myanmar and theUK, have also sent their observers to this year’s drill.
More than 13,000 servicemen will be taking part in exerciseactivities, focusing on humanitarian relief in case of crises andnatural disasters.
According to defenceofficers, “Cobra Gold 2014” is designed to enhance security andeffectively deal with crises in Asia-Pacific through multinationalforces from nations that share common goals and security commitments.
Speaking at the opening ceremony, Admiral SamuelLocklear, commander of the US Pacific Command, said this is one of thelargest and most important multilateral exercises in which the USparticipates.
With field exercises and liveammunition events, this year’s drill will help participating countriesready themselves to cope with common challenges and consolidate mutualunderstanding and trust.
Cobra Gold began in 1982as a bilateral military exercise between Thailand and the US. Itdeveloped into a multilateral affair in 2000 when Singapore was invitedto join the annual drill.-VNA
Armed forces from Thailand, the US, Japan, the Republic of Korea, Singapore, Indonesia and Malaysia are participating in the 33 rd exercise, which is scheduled to end on February 21.
Besides, at least 20 other nations, including China, Myanmar and theUK, have also sent their observers to this year’s drill.
More than 13,000 servicemen will be taking part in exerciseactivities, focusing on humanitarian relief in case of crises andnatural disasters.
According to defenceofficers, “Cobra Gold 2014” is designed to enhance security andeffectively deal with crises in Asia-Pacific through multinationalforces from nations that share common goals and security commitments.
Speaking at the opening ceremony, Admiral SamuelLocklear, commander of the US Pacific Command, said this is one of thelargest and most important multilateral exercises in which the USparticipates.
With field exercises and liveammunition events, this year’s drill will help participating countriesready themselves to cope with common challenges and consolidate mutualunderstanding and trust.
Cobra Gold began in 1982as a bilateral military exercise between Thailand and the US. Itdeveloped into a multilateral affair in 2000 when Singapore was invitedto join the annual drill.-VNA
