Since most Culture chat have their own military threads I think Khmer should have one too. I collect it from various sources.

The air force.

Mi-17 choppers




L-39




Mi-8 Hip






Some of these pictures come from ACIG.org

Mi-26- the largest helicopter type in the world and Cambodia have 2.

Those pictures look old.

Cambodian SA-3 anti-aircraft missiles.





Army BTR-60 APC





OT-64



BRDM-2

T-54 MBT




Cambodia had received military aid from VietNam and France, the motorbikes are from VietNam and the Renault troop carriers are French.



MiG-21 fighters

^ The pictures are outdated; they need to get new troop carriers as those above are subpar in armour; as well the MIG-21 Fishbed is an outdated 2nd generation air craft and should be mothballed.

Cambodia definately NEEDS immediate military upgrades on her air/land and naval components.

Some Pictures I found interesting:


Royal Cambodian Armed Forces (RCAF) personnel standing between empty
SA-3 shipping containers with a banner reflecting the cooperation exhibited
in the joint destruction of the missiles.


Ambassador Joseph A. Mussomeli and General Meas Sophea, Deputy
Commander in Chief and Army Commander, reviewing the Royal Cambodian
Armed Forces (RCAF) personnel in attendance.


Aerial view of the Cambodian military personnel and inert SA-3 training

The Cambodian Air Force Status Report:
**********************************
A Helicopter Squadron was formed in 1992 with a number of Mi-8 and Mi-17. After the UN monitored general elections of 1993 Norodom Sihanouk was re-instated as king. The present name of Royal Cambodian Air Force was adopted and a new roundel was introduced. After all the changes of government each time a new flag and roundel were introduced but they all had in common a variation of the Angkor temple. Two Harbin Y-12 and three BN-2 Islander were taken in service to back the three former Kampuchea Airlines An-24RV and Beech 200 of the VIP Squadron in 1993. To fulfil the need of training its own pilots six Tecnam P92 Echo 3 trainers were ordered in Italy. After delivery they formed the newly established Reconnaissance Squadron in 1995.

In 1996 a deal was made with Israeli Aircraft Industries for the overhaul of 12 MiG-21s and part of the deal was the acquisition of six overhauled Aero L-39C Albatros'. These Czech built trainers were delivered to Cambodia in 1996-97. The World Bank and especially the US cut direct foreign aid to Cambodia in mid 1997 after Hun Sen ousted coalition partner Prince Norodom Ranariddh. This also affected the RCAF deal with Israel as already four MiG-21s were sent to the IAI Lahav division and Cambodia was unable to pay for the work. Also in 1997 the VIP Squadron was taken out of the Air Force and put under governmental control in the Council of Ministry and took with it the Beech 200, Ce402 and Ce421. France donated two AS350B Ecureuils, an AS365 Dauphin, a Falcon 20 and a Fokker F28 for VIP transport. All this left the Air Force with the regular transport aircraft of two An-24RV, two Harbin Y-12 and two Islanders and they formed the Transport Squadron. In 1998 the Ministry of Defense obtained two Mi-26 helicopters flown by pilots of the Helicopter Squadron. Eventually these helicopters will pass on to the Royal Cambodian Air Force.

The Royal Cambodian Air Force is necessary for maintaining internal control in terms of demographics; its abilities should merely stay for national and domestic defense; as its abilities in terms of 'external control' is countered and checked by a far superior Royal Thai Air Force, which dominates the skies of continental south east asia; it would be in the best interest of Cambodia to evade mingling in the areas of Thai Air control. The multitude of Myanmar Air fighters that were shot down (mostly OUTDATED Mig-21 Fishbeds and severely damaging their Su-29 fighter) in the 2000 Thai-Myanmar Border Clash. It should be a warning to Cambodia and a lesson to learn.

I agree...you guys kind of need an upgrade...

The Cambodians did upgrade their MiG-21bis fleet but they don't have the funds to pay for it. The upgrade was done by the Israelis.

Air Force

The Cambodian Navy.
Stenka class

Turya class

Shershen class

M-113

Yes I know about the RCN; I've been on board the H.M.T.S Phuttayotfa Chalaok during a military sortie-off the Cambodian naval jurisdiction; as a guest of my uncle, who serves as an Captain in that ship. One thing to mention is that when we sortied near the Cambodian area of control; the Cambodian fleet was composed mostly of old and obsolete patrol crafts; it utterly needs upgrade. What is worse is that their 'anti-piracy' fleet has no missile systems; purely composed of standard battery systems.

I am in no way trying to initiate hostility, but had the H.M.T.S Phuttayatfa Chalaok engaged the Cambodian naval parties; the Chalaok's missile systems and superior naval capabilities would have wiped out the entire Cambodian fleet (which are sadly, composed of patrol boats).

Cambodia needs new naval detatchments.



A picture of the H.T.M.S Phuttayatfa Chalaok; which is a U.S Knox Frigat Class with:



Speed 27 kts maximum ;16 kts cruising

Armament
8 - ASROC (from MK 16 launcher)
8 - Harpoon (from MK 16 box launcher)
4 - MK-46 torpedoes (from single tube launchers)
1 - 5-inch / 54 caliber MK 42 gun
1 - 20mm Phalanx close-in-weapons system
8 - Sea Sparrow BPDMS (on some ships)
Torpedoes NA
AA Guns 4 x Vulcan Phalanx CIWS(not installed) 2 x 30mm

Aircraft
1 light Helicopter

Crew
~250

An-24 transports

How many Mig-21s does the RCAF have in its 'arsenal' ?

Rightnow, Cambodia should focus on economic improvement. Militarywide, it is not top priority. If you have money, you have weapons. Cambodia cannot afford any fancy ones rightnow. Maybe late.

Exactly, a good economy can provide more weapons and better training. Focus on economic growth is priority for VietNam, Cambodia and Laos as well. There is no point in buying fancy weapons if you don't have the funds to operate it.

Khmer has not been focusing on Military development and enhancement, coz we will not get into war again. SO... some stuff seems old.

I don't really care how old it is, at least it works, and puts up a good fight!

^That's the spirit!

For Cambodia, I would request her military to get some of these:


The Stingray Light Tank; fast, deadly, and effective.

I don't believe there is going to be a war between Cambodia and her neighbors. If there is, it would be a tiny one and it would be more like a miss understanding. The UN or the Allies won't let that happen. The world is more ordered these days... except just for a few countries still defying the UN's policy. Therefore, it is more logical for Cambodia to focus on economic development and should build strong defense systems when the country is more prosperous.

Inspite of the fancy weapons, the will to fight is very important as well. Just look at world war II--the german vs russian at stalingrad, vietnam war-- US vs. Vietnam, and US vs. Iraq.

^Very well said.

Cambodia in peace time need to combat piracy, illegal loggers and so on, but unfortunately, the Cambodian military lack the resources to have an effective capability. So small level upgrades and more Mi-17 choppers would really help.

PT-76

Those look like antiquated junk; look at the rust on the last tank..

1 F-16 can do so much damage...its rather sickening to see how weak Cambodia's military is.



hmm does cambodia even have an effective surface-to-air battery/missile defense?

At the moment I doubt Cambodia have an effective air-defence force, the Americans payed them to destroy all SAM.

Thats truly a shame. But realistically speaking, I doubt Cambodia will ever develop an effective military in our time. Population wise..economics wise..she does not have the resources to make a defense that can rival that with her neighbours; Thailand and Vietnam.

The only viable strategy Cambodia should utilize to prevent military clashes would be, from my point of view, is to maintain compliant relationship with Thailand and Vietnam as well as utilize its military to quell internal insurgency.

This is my overall analysis in looking at the present circumstance that has befallen Cambodia.

Well they do receive military aid.

haha think again.. cambodia will never comply to thailand and vietnam.. you would think so because of thai economy and viet puppet govt.. but they wont last for long..

edited

Please dont retort to incessant prophecies that have no legitimacy in terms of political science.

I was merely stating realistic opinions. Do you actually think the Cambodian Armed Forces would last in a conflict with Vietnam? Their land forces is quite concentrated; and I assure you overwhelming Cambodia via military means would be no problem for Army of the Socialist Republic of Vietnam. As for Thailand; the Thai Air Force is the largest in south east asia; and we have 26 squadrons (including over 60+ F-16s). What do you actually think you can do? Particularly when a good portion of the Thai Air Force is stationed in Eastern Thailand. And yes, that also includes our Rapier Tactical surface-air defense sytems as well.

I hardly doubt that any of your air fighters will make it off the ground; the Royal Thai Air Force has practiced drills in overwhelming enemy air defenses. Thats what we did to Burma in 2000; their mig-21s were dessicated by our F-16S (note that the mig-21s are also the primary fighters within Cambodia).

Realism, my friend.

I want to make a point that I was discussing military tactics with Happy Asian and nong; no way was it meant to flame. If you cant handle military topics, then dont read this thread and dont post in it.

Thanks. Its apparent that happy asian and myself have actively debated military related items before.

Dont start anything. Thanks.

^Myanmar uses F-7 not MiG-21.

Actually, Myanmar uses the FT-7 and the F-7M, which are all viariants of the MIG-21 Fishbed that went through Chinese reverse engineering.



http://www.geocities.com/albanianpilot/Albanian_Fishbed.html



http://www.shanaberger.com/MiG-21.htm

^I know, but still different in a way. From my knowledge their air force is plagued with poor service and maintenance, so you can't expect them to up much of a fight. Too bad we don't have Burmese chat or else I would post Myanmar military picture too.

lol.

@ Happy Asian. I admire that man! Yes you're right; Burma's military is far more focused in developing their ports than their air forces. Thank god tho..because Burma (Myanmar) is known to commit genocide on her own people, particularly those of the karenni, and shan ethnic groups. Disgusting. Luckily we take shan refugees in and treat them; there have been many instances in burmese military forcse crossing thai territory to hunt down shan freedom fighters and even killing shan women and children; luckily the RTAF utilizes a 'SHOOT TO KILL' tactic on foreign military forces that enter our zone of control.

Myanmar's military regime is paranoid, their military recieved huge spending but there's a massive hole in their capability.

^. It will fall. I welcome its utter demise as it will enable the re-unification of Thailand and Shan-land (historically an orbit of Siam/Ayuthaya).

Back to the Cambodian military; I just read the article in which Vietnam donated patrol boats to Cambodia. Very kind of you!!

China was kindler, they donated six patrol boats. LOL.

I don't think Cambodia should spend too much on its military, but maintaining and possibly upgrading some areas will surely secure the country. But remember, Cambodia had just went through a civil war, and a lot of our military resources have been weakened. Thailand enjoyed centuries of peacetime which allowed more time for its military to expand and become much more powerful than its neighbors. Vietnam have also had the opportunity to expand its military and train their army through wars with the French, America and China. But what I'd like to come down to is that, war is not the answer right now. In this time and age, globalization is more important than anything. A far out war would only hurt each other's economy. Having the best military right now isn't the most important thing to be concerned about.

^Another good point. Concentrate on your economy and you can buy anything.



http://www.thanhniennews.com/worlds/?catid=9&newsid=14451

I agree war would placate setbacks on a national economy; and considering the level of integration south east asian economies are with one another; a war in the region would adversely affect everyone.

I would to correct you on something; you state that Thailand has That is not true, Thailand has been in constant warefare to secure and maintain its independence and national sovereignty, and we have done it successfully.

Our list of wars/conflicts:

War with Burma
Patani rebellion against Siamese overlordship
Patani rebellion against Siamese overlordship
Siamese interference in Cambodian affairs; annexion of provinces Mongkolborei, Sisophon, K'orat
Siamese attempt to conquer Kengtung (Shan States)
Patani rebellion, suppressed; Sultanate of Patani abolished
Cambodian Rebellion
Siamese expedition into Kedah
Siamese expedition into Perak
War with Kgd. of Vientiane
Rebellion in Kedah, Patani
War with Cambodia
Rebellion in Kedah, Patani
War with Vietnam; Siamese protectorate over Cambodia est. 1844
Siamese attempt to conquer Kengtung (Shan States)
Siamese attempt to conquer Kengtung (Shan States)
Pahang Civil War; Siamese fleet routed by the British 1862
Siamese invasion of Luang Prabang
Franco-Siamese War

Royalist Revolt
World War II; Thailand a reluctant Japanese ally
Thai-Cambodian border clash
communist insurgency
border war with Kampuchea
border war with Vietnamese-occupied Cambodia
Thai-Laotian border incident
Thai-Laotian border clashes
Insurgency of Thai Muslims (Patani)







http://www.answers.com/topic/french-thai-war

Those are not considered war, more like petty battles between small states. Vietnam's war against the Han, Song, Mongols, Qing, Americans, French etc are considered real wars.

ah crew, why are you sucking up to sirikittong? ah siem heuy nung ah yuon doch tae knear tay.. merl vear mus.. vear merl gnear yeung aign ot dung tay? kom chlauy tov vear..

i am waiting for the day when thailand completely falls.. us khmers will be secretly cheering for those muslims.. they have the right to self-determination and they will succeed.. hopefully issan does the same.. if issan grow enough balls to rebel against the siems, the khmer surin would most likely follow.. issan population is over 20 million strong.. whats there to lose?

nombaingsachko, or better known as "banh mi" lol. I'm not sucking up to anybody, I'm just saying how it is.

Why don't Laotians and Khmers encourage their brothers in Issan to rise up, fight for their rights of separation and rejoining Laos and Cambodia? Why are those 20 million+ remaining quiet?

The Muslims in the south will cause much more trouble for Thailand in the years to come. Thailand either have more instability or have to let them have self-determination and maybe united with Malaysia.

Thailand shouldn't be a country that it is today in the first place; the economy is controlled by the Chinese, there are over 20 million Lao and Khmers in Issan and the Muslims dominate the 4 southern provinces.

edited

The esarn people of north eastern Thailand are of the Tai ethnic group; which is the foundation basis of the Siamic expansion during the 19th century and centuries previous that. As well, the esarn people are Thai nationals and have been heavily assimilated into Thai culture and society. They are as Thai as the people of Lop Buri, Lampong, Sayabouri, Nakorn Ratchasima, Nakorn Si Thammarat, Songkhla , Pattani, Yala, Phuket, Chiang Mai, Chiang Rai, Nong Khai, etc. The Thai people are an integrated people and the sense of nationhood and societal standards have been placated into their minds that overwhelms the minor ethnic differences of some people within Thailand.

I say to you, look at the nation of India. The Republic of India is a republic that is composed of multi faceted states with variances in ethnic groups; ranging from the rajputs to the north west, the tamils of the south, the bengalis of the west, and the nagas and the dais of the far eastern corners of India. Yes, like Thailand, they are of different ethnic groups, but they all share the common bond and ideology of nationhood and nationality. THAT is what makes nations work. That is why India, although has rebellions in the side, remain strong and functionally integrated. This is the same with Thailand; yes the people within the kingdom are composed of multi ethnics, but a large proportion of them are of the Tai ethnic stock; the esarn people are the same as the Siamese as well as the Shan; they are all Tai groups. As for the Surin in eastern Thailand; the level of intermixing and intermarriages have been profound. They are Thai and consider themselves Thai. Why do you think there is a lack of insurgency and insurrection in surin and esarn regions? They are content and their standard of living is increasing.

In conclusion, I would like to reiterate that national identity and the sense of nationhood is pivotal for man, and this pretext is heavily observed in south east asia.


Unrealistic, pathetic and morose prophetics such as this is something that cannot be debated over appropriately. It is the innate psychological stubbornness of some people to accept the present situation and the realities of a particular environment that leads them to incite flagrant belief that some 'divine' or 'prophecy' will be observed.

Ridiculous and utterly undebatable.

lolwth.

old cambodia flag

Yes, the old PRK flag

Cambodian SA-7

Back in the days when the Khmer air force was still formidable.





C-47



MiG-17

Khmer Rouge F-6 captured by VietNamese army.

New helicopter