Cambodia declares full capacity in training mine-detection dogs

Cambodia declares full capacity in training mine-detection dogs

PHNOM PENH, Jan 28, 2026 — Cambodia has full capacity to independently breed and train mine-detection dogs and is ready to share its expertise with international partners, the country’s mine action authority said on Wednesday.

In a statement posted on social media, Heng Ratana, Director-General of the Cambodian Mine Action Centre (CMAC), said Cambodia’s canine programme, which relied entirely on foreign technical support more than two decades ago, is now fully self-sufficient.

“Today, Cambodia has 100% ownership of the technical work — from breeding and training to specialised skills — and can also share its experience internationally,” Heng Ratana said.

He said the development reflected sustained investment in local expertise and called on younger generations to maintain discipline, professionalism and a strong sense of national ownership to ensure long-term sustainability.

CMAC said it held two days of discussions on Jan 27–28 with representatives from the Japan International Cooperation Agency (JICA) and Japanese advisory experts to further strengthen cooperation at the CMAC canine centre.

The talks focused on expanding joint training programmes for international dog handlers in Cambodia and deploying Cambodian-trained detection dogs to support clearance operations in countries affected by unexploded ordnance and war remnants.

Cambodia is among the world’s most mine-affected countries and has increasingly positioned itself as a regional and international contributor to humanitarian demining.