Thai Navy conducts TR.69 training exercises in the Gulf of Thailand, testing UAV operations and amphibious assault capabilities to counter eastern border threats and enhance maritime security readiness.
On May 14, 2026, Admiral Piromsak Fuengchanthana, the Navy Commander, inspected training exercises involving unmanned aerial vehicle support operations for naval forces in the upper Gulf of Thailand and swift amphibious assault training at Navy Training Ground No. 15 in Haad Yao, Sattahip District, Chachoengsao Province. These exercises are part of the annual field and sea training (FTX) for the Thai Navy in 2026.
The training aimed to test the readiness of personnel, weapons systems, and tactical operational support capabilities during both daytime and nighttime operations, improving real-world operational capability to address various security situations and threats, particularly through the application of modern technology aligned with the changing security environment.
The unmanned aerial vehicle support training tested coordination between naval forces, special operations units, and UAV systems to enhance surveillance efficiency, targeting, and tactical operational support for the navy during both day and night operations. The exercise integrated naval ships, aircraft, and ground-based operational units in a network-based joint operational framework.
The amphibious assault training at Navy Training Ground No. 15 tested naval deployment plans and capabilities of naval commando units, including the testing of forces and weapons systems in real operational areas. The exercise integrated support naval forces, special operations units, beach assault teams, amphibious vehicles, and naval aviation under new air defense security measures, along with medical support and casualty evacuation based on simulated scenarios.
Admiral Piromsak revealed that the "TR.69" exercise aimed to enhance combat readiness and address security situations, particularly in the eastern border areas and strategic maritime zones, critical missions for protecting national sovereignty and maritime interests. The training, which began in early 2026, incorporated lessons learned from actual conflict situations in 2025, with analysis and improvements to operational approaches aligned with changing security environments, covering both forced-problem training, specialized training, and joint force integration among Thai military combat units.
The Navy also tested the application of unmanned systems (UXV) including unmanned aerial vehicles (UAV), unmanned surface vessels (USV), and unmanned underwater systems (UUV) for patrol, intelligence, surveillance, and tactical operational support missions. The Navy tested the concept of using HTMS Chakri Naruebet as an operational base for UXV systems to support future maritime operations.
The annual Navy training exercise represents the highest priority training for the Thai Navy, implemented in accordance with the policy of "Year of Naval Combat Readiness" under the concept of "Train as if in real battle; when battle is real, we must win." The training focused on military planning, tactical command, integration of all-dimensional combat forces, and testing combat readiness across all operational branches to ensure effective application in real missions with maritime security not limited to military dimensions alone.