Royal Thai Navy Commences 2025 Annual Training Under “Train as You Fight” Slogan

[Georgealbert]

 

Picture courtesy of RTN.

 

The Royal Thai Navy (RTN) officially launched its 2025 annual training exercises on 13 February under the guiding principle of “Train as You Fight.” Admiral Jirapon Wongwit, the Commander-in-Chief of the RTN, presided over the opening ceremony at Laem Thian Pier, Sattahip Naval Base, Chonburi, alongside senior naval officers and participating personnel.

 

Following the ceremony, Admiral Jirapon observed demonstrations of naval and aerial operations and inspected the array of weaponry and equipment that will be used during this year’s exercises. The annual training is the navy’s most critical exercise, designed to simulate real combat scenarios, progressing from peacetime conditions to crisis situations and ultimately full-scale national defence operations.

 

The training is structured to enhance strategic thinking, doctrinal familiarity, and operational capabilities across all naval units. To achieve this, the navy has integrated specific training objectives into command post exercises (CPX) and field training exercises (FTX) to align with its overarching defence strategy.

 

This year’s training will focus on national defence operations within the Second Naval Area Command. Key components include command post drills and intensive field and sea-based exercises.

 

One of the highlights is the Operation 72 Long-Range Task Force Drill, featuring an amphibious transport group composed of HTMS Chang, HTMS Angthong, HTMS Surin, and HTMS Man Nai. These vessels will be escorted by a protection fleet, including HTMS Naresuan, HTMS Chao Phraya, and HTMS Kraburi, with additional air and marine combat units providing support.

 

 

Other significant training operations include:

 

• Surface-to-air missile launches from HTMS Chakri Naruebet using Mistral missiles.

• Joint operations between the navy and air force.

• Amphibious warfare drills to enhance coastal defence capabilities.

• Counter-terrorism exercises focusing on offshore gas platforms.

• Humanitarian assistance and disaster relief (HADR) missions.

• Search and rescue (SAR) operations at sea.

• Oil and chemical spill response drills to mitigate maritime environmental hazards.

• Marine Corps integrated battalion-level training exercises, incorporating live-fire drills (CALFEX).

• Air defence and coastal defence training exercises.

 

Additionally, the RTN has invited personnel from the Royal Thai Army, Royal Thai Air Force, and the National Maritime Security Command Centre to participate, reinforcing inter-service cooperation and joint operational readiness.

 

This annual training exercise is a cornerstone of Thailand’s naval preparedness, ensuring the RTN remains capable of safeguarding the nation’s maritime interests in an ever-evolving security landscape.

 

-- 2025-02-14

 

[JoePai]

Phew, I feel safer now   😎