Cambodia’s use of Chinese‑made rocket systems against Thai territory has sharply escalated tensions along the already volatile frontier. Thailand confirmed on 8 December that Cambodian forces launched salvos using Type‑90B and PHL‑03 multiple‑launch rocket systems, after videos posted by residents showed clear rocket trails and impact sites inside Thai border districts.

 

Thai officials said the footage, verified by open‑source investigators, captured both the launches and the movement of Cambodian rocket units towards forward firing positions. The strikes mark the first known combat deployment of Cambodia’s newer Chinese‑supplied systems, delivered in recent years as part of a wider modernisation push.

 

The Type‑90B is a truck‑mounted 122 mm launcher with 40 tubes capable of rapid saturation fire at ranges of up to 40 kilometres. The heavier PHL‑03, modelled on Russia’s Smerch system, fires 300 mm rockets with ranges exceeding 70 kilometres and can carry a variety of warheads. Both systems were integrated into Cambodian artillery brigades after training with Chinese advisers in 2022.

 

Footage circulating online shows salvos consistent with the Type‑90B’s exhaust pattern, while crater analysis in Thailand’s Sisaket province suggests accurate grid targeting but limited blast effect beyond the immediate impact zone. Analysts say the strikes appear designed to demonstrate capability rather than inflict large‑scale damage.

 

Cambodia now fields 74 rocket launchers of various types, including older Soviet‑era and Chinese platforms, giving it a slight numerical edge over Thailand’s 69 systems. The newer Chinese launchers form the high‑precision tier of a layered arsenal, with legacy systems providing massed fire when required.

 

Thailand, meanwhile, has invested in a mix of domestic and foreign systems, including long‑range DTI‑1 rockets and an Israeli PULS launcher. Its artillery units are increasingly supported by advanced radar and surveillance assets, enabling faster counter‑battery responses. Following the Cambodian strikes, Thai forces repositioned units along the frontier and deployed counter‑battery radars to track further launches.

 

The incident underscores a broader shift in Southeast Asia towards high‑mobility, long‑range rocket artillery. For military observers, the December exchange offers a rare glimpse into the operational readiness of both armies and highlights how quickly any future confrontation could escalate, with deep‑strike capabilities on both sides able to shape the battlefield within minutes.

 

As tensions continue to simmer, the border remains one of the region’s most sensitive flashpoints — and now one where modern rocket artillery plays a central role.

 

-2025-12-17

Kind of irreverent whether these are Chinese , Russian or US rockets.

They are not stopping to fire them, and need a strong Thai responce.

23 hours ago, geovalin said:

Cambodia now fields 74 rocket launchers of various types,

A job for the F16s. Get on with it, Fellas!

 

My home & family farm are right in the firing lines. The latter has rockets falling all round.

21 minutes ago, mfd101 said:

My home & family farm are right in the firing lines. The latter has rockets falling all round.

My thoughts are with you and your family.  All the best.

So, let me think, Thai F16s fire rockets, probably supplied by the US, into Cambodia, but Thai complains if China supplies rickets to Cambodia.... anyone else think hypocrisy.

2 hours ago, FlorC said:

Kind of irreverent whether these are Chinese , Russian or US rockets.

They are not stopping to fire them, and need a strong Thai responce.

yes, more handbags

7 hours ago, Aussie999 said:

So, let me think, Thai F16s fire rockets, probably supplied by the US, into Cambodia, but Thai complains if China supplies rickets to Cambodia.... anyone else think hypocrisy.

 

Very much so - Thai hypocrisy indeed! 

 

Cambodia must not fire Chinese rockets, but it is okay for Thai F16 (USA) and Gripen(Sweden) jets to cluster bomb, gas, and use rockets against Cambodian military and civilians! Go to hell Thailand.

22 minutes ago, Burma Bill said:

 

Very much so - Thai hypocrisy indeed! 

 

Cambodia must not fire Chinese rockets, but it is okay for Thai F16 (USA) and Gripen(Sweden) jets to cluster bomb, gas, and use rockets against Cambodian military and civilians! Go to hell Thailand.

And if Cambodia started? 

 

Thailand can not take back their positions and clear the border for landmines?