(Phnom Penh): Cambodian Senate President, Samdech Techo Hun Sen affirmed that Cambodia is fully prepared to defend its national sovereignty and territorial integrity, particularly against foreign aerial incursions.

Samdech Techo spoke on Thursday (May 29) in a special statement addressing the recent armed clash between Cambodian and Thai forces at the Emerald Triangle border area, Preah Vihear province.

Samdech Techo underscored, "Some have commented, asking whether Cambodia is prepared, now that Thailand has mobilised its fighter jets. Let me be clear: Cambodia, especially Techo Sen, fully understands military strategy. During the Viet Nam War, I personally witnessed American aircraft flying overhead and launching attacks, but there was little I could do at the time. Later, as Prime Minister, I commanded the Royal Cambodian Armed Forces. Back then, we possessed several MiG-21bis fighter jets, but we never deployed them in combat. Instead, we allocated 380 tons of fuel per year for training purposes, just one aircraft required that much. Eventually, I reduced that amount by 100 tons to 280 tons annually."

Samdech Techo continued, "Nowadays, Cambodia no longer relies on fighter jets in modern warfare of this nature. However, we have developed a comprehensive air defence system. Unfortunately, some uninformed individuals do not understand what that means. An air defence system refers to ground-launched missiles. If enemy aircraft fly at high altitudes without initiating attacks, we let them be. But if they descend to strike, they will be met with thousands, even tens or hundreds of thousands, of anti-aircraft rounds. That is why fighter jets are rarely used in border conflicts. Cambodia’s air defence system is highly effective. We have successfully test-fired missiles up to 40 kilometres. So, to those concerned about Thailand’s fighter jets, I say: Cambodia is equally prepared with anti-aircraft weaponry. That’s all, just a clarification for those who commented."

Samdech Techo Hun Sen emphasised that one should not place too much confidence in heavy artillery, drones, missiles, or fighter jets. Regardless of how advanced the weaponry may be, victory cannot be achieved without setting foot on the ground. He added that he hopes the recent clash on 28 May at the Emerald Triangle border area does not escalate or spread to other sensitive locations, including Preah Vihear Temple, Ta Moan Temple, or Ta Krabey, particularly along the rest of the border.
=FRESH NEWS

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