Observers have warned that Cambodia cannot rely on borrowing money from other nations to purchase weapons for national defense, nor can it expect any country to provide arms without conditions, as allies and adversaries can shift at any time.
Researcher on social development Meas Nee wrote on his Facebook page over the weekend that strengthening defense capabilities is essential. He noted that developing the armed forces requires significant resources, which must ultimately come from a strong Cambodian economy.
Meas Nee stressed that even with adequate funds, there is no guarantee that other countries would be willing to sell or supply weapons when urgently needed. To ensure long-term security, he said, Cambodia should build the capacity to produce its own key munitions in the future.
He added that the government must provide proper care for the armed forces, including their welfare, training, and living conditions, as well as support for their families. He urged strict measures against corruption or any abuse that undermines soldiers’ rights.
The observer pointed out that Thailand’s current military offensive against Cambodia has served as a reminder to all Cambodians, both the public and the government, that the nation must think collectively about its long-term future. Only through unity and resilience, he said, can Cambodians deter external threats.
A recent report from Cambodia’s Ministry of National Defense stated that during the five-day conflict with Thailand, Thai forces deployed F-16 and Gripen fighter jets to drop Mk-82 and Mk-84 bombs on Cambodian territory.
The report also said Thai troops used drones to deliver M-261 and M-472 cluster munitions, along with suicide drones and surveillance drones. It added that the Thai military employed artillery, heavy guns, cluster bombs, and aircraft dispersing chemical smoke. Cambodia, by contrast, did not retaliate with heavy weapons.
In a related development, Reuters reported on August 25 that Sweden has signed an agreement to sell four Saab JAS 39 Gripen fighter jets to Thailand at a total cost of more than 500 million US dollars. The purchase is the first stage of a plan for Thailand to acquire 12 such aircraft, announced earlier this month.
