Cambodia's First Type 056 Frigate Arrives at Ream Naval Base

Thedjancuk
April 14, 2026
14 April 2026

Arrival of first Type 056 frigate for Cambodian Navy (photos: Reddit)

The Royal Cambodian Navy's first Type 056 guided-missile frigate, received from China, arrived at the Ream Naval Base on April 4.

According to the Cambodia-China defense cooperation agreement, China will provide Cambodia with two Type 056 frigates. The first ship has already been delivered, and the second is expected to arrive in Cambodia in June 2026. This type of vessel will primarily be used for coastal patrols, exclusive economic zone patrols, and maritime search and rescue missions. Cambodia stated that this will help enhance the Cambodian Navy's capabilities.


Regarding the international attention drawn by the arrival of the warship, Zhang Xiaogang, spokesperson for the Chinese Ministry of National Defense, stated on April 9 that this is part of an existing cooperation project between the Chinese and Cambodian militaries, is not directed against any third party, and is unrelated to the current regional situation.

According to public information, the Cambodian Ministry of National Defense announced China's aid of warships to Cambodia in September 2024. At that time, Cambodia stated that China would provide two Type 056 frigates to enhance the Cambodian Navy's ability to maintain national security and social stability.


The Ream Naval Base, having undergone upgrades in recent years, has become a crucial pillar in Cambodia's naval modernization efforts. Regarding external concerns about a "permanent Chinese military presence in Cambodia," Cambodia has repeatedly stated that the development of the Ream base serves Cambodia's own defense needs and is not intended for the exclusive use of any foreign military.

The Cambodian Ministry of National Defense emphasizes that strengthening naval construction is a legitimate right to national defense modernization, aimed at better addressing maritime and non-traditional security challenges and safeguarding national maritime rights.

(CNM)


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