The US will Provide 17 Stryker Wheeled Armored Vehicles to the Royal Thai Army under EDA Program

25 Februari 2026

US will provide 17 Stryker 8x8 under Excess Defense Articles to Thailand (photos: Royal Thai Army)

Royal Thai Army Welcomes US Army Commander, Enhancing Military Cooperation Through Joint/Combined Exercises

On February 23, 2026, General Phana Klaewplodthuk, Commander-in-Chief of the Royal Thai Army, welcomed Lieutenant General Matthew McFarlane, Commander of the US Army 1st Army Corps, and his delegation at the Chulachomklao Royal Military Academy, Royal Thai Army Museum, to discuss military cooperation, enhancing joint/combined exercises such as Cobra Gold and Hanuman Guardian, and cooperation in the development of Stryker wheeled armored units.

During the discussion, the Royal Thai Army thanked the US Army for honoring the Royal Thai Army with their participation in the Cobra Gold joint/combined exercise, demonstrating the strong relationship and security cooperation. The intention to jointly develop the capabilities of personnel was emphasized, with a focus on integrating military technology in multidimensional combat operations, particularly cyber and space warfare. The successful Hanuman Guardian joint exercise, which achieved its objectives and helped develop personnel capabilities, especially in the use of unmanned aerial vehicle (UAV) systems, was also highlighted.

17 Stryker 8x8 under Excess Defense Articles program

Regarding the Stryker wheeled armored vehicles, the Royal Thai Army expressed gratitude to the U.S. Army for supporting the provision of 17 vehicles under the EDA (Excess Defense Articles) program. The official handover ceremony will take place during the closing ceremony of Hanuman Guardian 2026. The U.S. also provided a Stryker Brigade Combat Team to continuously assist in training on operational techniques, maintenance, and networked combat tactics, aligning with the Royal Thai Army's development of wheeled armored units.

The Commander-in-Chief of the Royal Thai Army expressed his stance on the Thai-Cambodian border conflict, reaffirming the Army's commitment to safeguarding national sovereignty according to international principles of self-defense. He requested the U.S.'s support and confidence in a peaceful resolution of the conflict.

Furthermore, the U.S. commended the Royal Thai Army's strict adherence to the rules of engagement and expressed pride in Thailand's long-standing ally, reflecting the strong military relationship and trust between the two countries.

(Royal Thai Army)