(Siem Reap): Cambodian Prime Minister Hun Manet said that the organisation of Cambodia’s armed forces and weaponry is sufficient to defend the nation’s territory and sovereignty.

Samdech Thipadei Hun Manet explained that Cambodia’s defence strategy relies on cost-effective weapons designed for high impact. While Cambodia does not possess tanks or aircraft, it has weapons capable of neutralising them. He emphasised that Cambodia’s military assets are built purely for defence, not aggression.

The premier spoke on Monday (Jun. 23) at the closing of the Central Committee Meeting of the Union of Youth Federations of Cambodia (UYFC) in Siem Reap province.

“Cambodia does not want war. We are tired of conflict. However, if there is aggression, we possess sufficient capability, especially the determination of our armed forces to defend our territory. While our equipment may not be the most advanced, both our spirit and our tools are enough to dismantle the plans and forces that attempt to violate our sovereignty,” the premier underscored.

Samdech Thipadei added that currently, the Thai army is only displaying its military assets such as aircraft, drones, drone bombers, and tanks.

“What are they trying to prove? Minister Tea Seiha has already said that we don’t have tanks, but we have the means to destroy tanks. One tank may cost five million; we spend only a hundred thousand to take it down. It’s a strategic investment, we invest less, but gain more. A plane might cost 20 to 30 million, with high maintenance and pilot training costs. Cambodia is a small force, and our air defence system isn’t that expensive. We make smart, efficient choices. Most importantly, our anti-tank and anti-aircraft systems are for defence only, not for invading anyone’s territory,” Samdech Thipadei explained.

On 20 June 2025, Cambodian Minister of National Defence, General Tea Seiha, stated that while Thailand is equipped with weapons across land, sea, and air domains, Cambodia possesses arms solely for the purpose of defending its nation, without deploying them to threaten any other country.

He added that Cambodia is equipped with air defence guns, anti-tank weapons, and front-line coastal defence weaponry.

On the occasion, the minister also noted that Cambodia has cooperated with certain friendly nations to build its military capacity strictly for national defence purposes — making it clear that such capacity-building does not include offensive armament or the intention to invade any other country.
=FRESH NEWS