Military Exercise Cobra Gold 2017 begins in Thailand

The Cobra Gold 2017 commenced on 14 February 2017 in Thailand. Cobra Gold is an annual multilateral military exercise co-sponsored by Thailand and the USA.

Highlights of Cobra Gold 2017

• The Cobra Gold 2017 is the 36th edition of the multinational military exercise.

• Around 30 nations will take part in the exercise that will continue till 24 February 2017.

• Cobra Gold includes a staff exercise with a senior leader seminar, a field training exercise and humanitarian civic assistance projects.

• Approximately 3,600 soldiers, sailors, airmen and marines of the USA are involved in these activities.

• The exercise includes an amphibious assault demonstration, noncombatant evacuation operation and combined arms live fire exercise.

• The emphasis of the Cobra Gold 2017 is on coordination of civic actions such as humanitarian assistance.

• The exercise is a part of the USA’s efforts to expand regional cooperation and collaboration in vital areas such as disaster relief.

About Cobra Gold

• It is considered as the largest military exercise in the Asia-Pacific region. Thailand hosts the exercise every year.

• It is also among the largest multinational military exercise in which the USA participates.

• Cobra Gold has three distinct activities - the Combined Arms Live Fire Exercise (CALFEX), Command Post Exercise (CPX) and activity related to assisting the local Thai population.

• It was first held in 1982 to improve coordination between the armed forces of the USA and Thailand in both hostile military and humanitarian efforts.

• Some of the key participants in the exercise are  Indonesia, Japan, Malaysia, Singapore and South Korea.

• China participated in the exercise for the first time in 2015. India participated in the exercise in 2016.

• The exercise has proven its effectiveness in improving coordinated military response to natural disasters, including the 2004 Indian Ocean tsunami and the 2011 Tohoku tsunami.