MGR Online — Several Cambodian media outlets have reported that the Royal Cambodian Navy has deployed the country's new corvette, "Koh Kong Senchey," to participate in exercises in national waters off Sihanoukville Province today (8th), as part of efforts to strengthen the navy's operational capabilities.
Reports indicate that General Tea Banh, a senior privy councillor to His Majesty King Norodom Sihamoni and former Minister of National Defence, was invited to observe the exercises of corvette number 622, along with General Tea Seiha, Minister of National Defence, and Admiral Tea Sokha, Commander of the Royal Cambodian Navy.
The Koh Kong Senchey is the first corvette — or light frigate — in the Royal Cambodian Navy. It was received from China and is a variant derived from the Type 056 class. The vessel arrived at Ream Naval Base in April 2026 under the bilateral military cooperation framework between the two countries.
Cambodian media reported that the vessel has a displacement of approximately 1,300 tonnes and is equipped with one 76 mm automatic naval gun, two 30 mm remote-controlled cannons, YJ-83 anti-ship guided missiles, rocket launchers, and the HQ-10A air defence missile system. It is also capable of accommodating helicopter landings.
Cambodian authorities stated that this exercise is a key activity in building the capacity and readiness of the Royal Cambodian Navy to protect Cambodia's sovereignty and territorial integrity in its national waters.
Through this exercise, the Royal Cambodian Navy will gain new experience and develop technical skills in operating modern vessels to meet various challenges. It also serves as a testament to the Cambodian government's commitment to acquiring modern defence equipment and developing human resources to ensure long-term security and stability for the country.
This latest move by the Royal Cambodian Navy comes as Phnom Penh pursues a long-term strategy of modernising its national defence forces and developing military personnel.
