US to deliver 17 Stryker vehicles to Thai army

2026-02-24 - 04:33

BANGKOK — 23 February 2026, Army chief Gen. Pana Klaewplodtook welcomed Lt. Gen. Matthew McFarlane, deputy commanding general of US Army I Corps, at Royal Thai Army Headquarters to discuss military cooperation, including expanded joint exercises and development of Stryker armoured units. The talks covered enhanced participation in the annual Cobra Gold exercise and the bilateral Hanuman Guardian drill, as well as closer collaboration on the Royal Thai Army’s Stryker wheeled armoured vehicle programme. The army expressed appreciation for continued US engagement, saying it reflected strong security ties and a shared commitment to developing personnel capabilities. Both sides emphasised integrating advanced military technologies into multi-domain operations, particularly in cyber and space warfare. Regarding Stryker vehicles, the army thanked the United States for supporting the transfer of 17 vehicles under the Excess Defense Articles (EDA) programme. The handover ceremony is scheduled during the closing of Hanuman Guardian 2026. A US Stryker Brigade Combat Team will continue providing technical training on operations, maintenance and network-centric warfare, in line with the Thai army’s modernisation plans. Gen. Pana also outlined Thailand’s position on the Thai–Cambodian border situation, reaffirming that the army adheres to international principles of self-defence in safeguarding sovereignty and remains committed to peaceful approaches. The US side commended the Royal Thai Army for strictly observing rules of engagement and expressed pride in its long-standing alliance with Thailand, underscoring close military ties and mutual trust between the two countries.