Cambodia, U.S. Begin Detailed Planning for Angkor Sentinel 2027

Cambodia, U.S. Begin Detailed Planning for Angkor Sentinel 2027

PHNOM PENH, Sept. 4, 2026 — Cambodian and U.S. military forces have begun detailed preparations for the Angkor Sentinel 2027 bilateral exercise, marking a major step toward the resumption of the joint exercise after a decade-long suspension.

The Royal Cambodian Army, together with the National Centre for Peacekeeping Forces, Mine and ERW Clearance (NPMEC), U.S. Army Pacific (USARPAC) and the Idaho National Guard, held the Initial Planning Conference (IPC) from August 31 to September 4, 2026.

During the planning conference, the two sides discussed key training activities for the upcoming exercise, including a Command Post Exercise (CPX) and professional exchanges covering medical services, engineering, and Explosive Ordnance Disposal/Unexploded Ordnance (EOD/UXO) capabilities.

Angkor Sentinel 2027 is scheduled to take place in February 2027, with a focus on strengthening military interoperability and disaster-response capabilities.

The planned exercise signals renewed momentum in Cambodia-U.S. military cooperation and reflects a shared commitment to strengthening defence cooperation and practical capabilities between the two sides.

The resumption of the bilateral exercise also provides an opportunity for Cambodian and U.S. personnel to exchange professional expertise in areas including humanitarian assistance, disaster response, engineering, medical support and explosive ordnance management.