Thai, Japanese and US forces conduct CWMD training during Cobra Gold 2026
Forces from the Thai armed forces, Japanese Ground Self-Defence Forces and US Marines conducted a joint counter weapons of mass destruction training exercise on 27 February as part of the larger Cobra Gold 2026 exercise.
According to a post on X from the Royal Thai Navy, those taking part in the training included their Naval Science Department, the Royal Thai Air Force's Aeronautical and Space Science and Technology Research and Development Center, the US Marine Corps and the Japan Ground Self-Defense Force.
The delegation was led by Captain Chamnan Butsaramalee, director of Nuclear, Biological and Chemical Warfare Operations Training, according to the post.
"The exercise aimed to enhance capabilities in the prevention, response and coordination against CBRN threats, addressing scenarios involving weapons of mass destruction in accordance with international standards, while also strengthening readiness for effective crisis management under constrained conditions," said the Royal Thai Navy.
The exercise was held on 27 February at Phra Maha Chetsadarat Rachachao Camp, Chonburi Province, "as part of international military cooperation efforts to develop personnel capabilities and reinforce regional security".
Cobra Gold 2026
Co-hosted by the United States and Thailand, Cobra Gold 2026 brings together approximately 8,000 service members from 30 nations to participate in military training and humanitarian assistance projects across Thailand.
The largest joint exercise in mainland Asia, Cobra Gold "remains one of the cornerstones of the enduring US-Thai alliance" as well as "a platform for building multinational partner military capability and interoperability", according to the US navy.
Cobra Gold 2026 is taking place from 24 February to 6 March.
