The Thai and U.S. navies have launched the joint exercise "CARAT 2026" to strengthen their strong relations and enhance maritime security capabilities in the Gulf of Thailand,
On 6 July 2026, Rear Admiral Songrit Chatngern, Deputy Commander of the Royal Fleet, together with Rear Admiral Kyle Gant, Deputy Commander of the U.S. Seventh Fleet, jointly inaugurated the CARAT 2026 (Cooperation Afloat Readiness and Training) exercise at Laem Tian Pier, Sattahip District, Chonburi Province. Personnel from both the Royal Thai Navy, the U.S. Navy, and the Canadian Coast Guard participated in full cooperation.
The Royal Thai Navy, through the Royal Fleet Command, has scheduled the CARAT 2026 joint exercise between the Thai and U.S. navies from 6 to 16 July 2026. The exercise takes place in Sattahip District, Chonburi Province, Rayong Province, and the upper Gulf of Thailand to strengthen maritime security cooperation and elevate joint operational capabilities of both countries.
The CARAT joint exercise is the largest bilateral drill between the Thai and U.S. navies, conducted continuously since 1995. This year, the Royal Fleet has assigned the 2nd Frigate Flotilla as the main unit responsible for the exercise, with Rear Admiral Anurak Promngam, Commander of the 2nd Frigate Flotilla, serving as the director of the CARAT 2026 exercise command.
The exercise aims to deepen the strong relationship between the Thai and U.S. navies, develop personnel capabilities in conducting maritime missions together, exchange maritime security knowledge and experience, and enhance Maritime Domain Awareness (MDA) in line with current security conditions.
The exercise is divided into three key phases: the shore phase from 6 to 11 July, the sea phase from 12 to 14 July, and the exercise debrief on 15 July 2026.
During the shore phase, seminars and knowledge exchanges (SMEE) cover various topics such as cyber security, explosive ordnance disposal, maritime domain awareness data sharing, counter unmanned aerial systems, suspicious vessel inspections, maritime law, medical operations, diving, community relations (COMREL) activities, sports to build camaraderie, pre-deployment meetings, and mine countermeasure training.
The sea phase includes important tactical training such as enhancing maritime situational awareness, inspecting and seizing suspicious vessels, Thai and international signal flag exchanges, tactical communications, target plotting, shipboard weapons firing, naval combat maneuvers, formation changes, and search and rescue operations at sea.
Thai forces participating include the warships HTMS Saiburi and HTMS Bangpakong, along with Type 4 transport helicopters and Blackjack unmanned aerial reconnaissance vehicles. Also involved are personnel from the Coast Guard, Naval Aviation, Naval Special Warfare Command, Marine Corps, Air and Coastal Defense Command, Sattahip Naval Base, and other supporting naval units.
The U.S. Navy contributes the Coast Guard cutters USCGC EMLEN TUNNELL and USCGC CHARLES MOULTHROPE, P-8A Poseidon maritime patrol aircraft, MQ-9 Reaper drones, U.S. Marine personnel, and a band from the Seventh Fleet.
Rear Admiral Songrit Chatngern, Deputy Commander of the Royal Fleet, stated that the CARAT 2026 joint exercise is highly significant given the rapidly changing global environment in security, technology, and threat patterns. The navy must continuously develop capabilities through joint exercises with allies. Annual joint drills enhance proficiency across all training areas, foster cooperation, familiarity, and understanding for future real-world operations.
This year’s exercise is notable because the U.S. has included Coast Guard vessels, expanding the scope beyond defense to maritime law enforcement, security, and protecting national interests, aligning with missions of the Royal Thai Navy and related agencies.
Rear Admiral Songrit added that the U.S. is advanced in technology and Coast Guard operational experience. This knowledge exchange offers a vital opportunity for the Royal Thai Navy to learn integrated operational approaches, especially maritime law enforcement. Currently, Thailand has established the Maritime National Interests Protection Command Center (MNIPCC) to integrate efforts across sectors to safeguard national maritime interests.
It is believed that the CARAT 2026 joint exercise will enhance operational efficiency for the navy and related agencies, strengthen maritime security, and build public confidence in safe, secure use of the seas, ultimately improving the long-term quality of life for the population.