Royal Cambodian Navy - Modernization
According to the 2000 Defense White Paper, the transformation of the Navy would take place in several steps. The first would be a shift in priority from riverine operations to patrolling of the coastline and nearby islands. It would involve the establishment of observation posts at key strategic locations, followed by the possible acquisition of coastal surveillance radar and dedication of several craft to inshore patrolling. The latter may involve refurbishment of existing craft or, subject to resources, the lease or purchasing of several patrol boats of a relatively simple design that can be supported in-country. An improved repair and maintenance capability should follow, including in the longer term, the construction of a ship lift or dry dock facility.
Developing offshore patrol capabilities is more complex. It requires vessels with improved sea keeping and a wide range of sensors and weapon’s systems. It would also be most efficient when the systems are in place to coordinate closely with neighbors. The potential value of the offshore resources to the economy and the opportunities for regional cooperation suggest that these initiatives would be pursued as soon as funding permited.
By 2000 the Navy’s patrol craft were in a poor state of repair. A priority under the Defense White Paper 2000 was to introduce 3-4 patrol craft for inshore maritime patrol and transport operations. These were to be of simple civilian design although it may be possible to refurbish a few of the existing patrol craft. Judgements must be made however, about the costs of doing so, the difficulty of supporting a mixed fleet, and the remaining operational life of the existing vessels.
China and Vietnam are the major players, with programs in excess of USD 3 million annually each, and are generally in competition with each other for influence. For the Royal Cambodian Navy, this meant that the Chinese agreement to provide a USD 60 million no interest loan to increase maritime capability over time resulted in Vietnam -- in very short order -- donating two ocean going patrol ships and providing operational funding for quarterly joint maritime patrols/training exercises.
By 2015 the Royal Cambodian Navy was not much to write home about, consisting of five outdated Turya-class torpedo boats (250 tons), five Stenka-class patrol boats (250 tons), and a lone Shershen-class fast attack boat (175 tons).
On February 25, 2016 Cambodian defense officials requested two warships from China, saying they are needed to help Cambodia defend its maritime territory. Cambodia was in negotiations to buy two 140-meter warships armed with modern weapon systems from China. Cambodian Navy Admiral Tea Vinh asked for the two modern military vessels during a meeting with Chinese Rear Admiral Yu Manjian. Their talks in Phnom Penh followed joint maritime rescue drills conducted by the countries' naval forces. Royal Cambodian Navy Commander Tea Vinh said he would seek to acquire two warships from China to prevent neighboring countries from “looking down” on his fleet. Adm. Vinh did not say what kind of ships the navy was interested in acquiring, nor whether it intended to purchase them outright. He said the vessels would bolster both maritime security and Cambodia’s reputation. “We want to stop our neighboring countries from looking down on us,” he said. “I want these two big ships, not for making war, but just to show that they can’t look down on Cambodia.”
Consisting of subject matter exchanges and events, training symposia and at-sea serials, CARAT is the U.S. 7th Fleet’s premier naval engagement in South and Southeast Asia and has helped promote security and stability in the region for more than two decades. CARAT countries include Bangladesh, Brunei, Cambodia, Malaysia, Indonesia, Philippines, Singapore, Thailand and Timor Leste.
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