Royal Cambodian Navy 🇰🇭

The Royal Cambodian Navy (RCN) is a relatively small and modestly equipped force primarily focused on coastal and riverine security. Historically, Cambodia's strategic priorities have been land-based, which has limited the development and resources allocated to its naval forces. The navy's primary missions revolve around maritime law enforcement, including countering piracy, smuggling, and human trafficking, as well as protecting the nation's natural resources and prospective offshore oil and gas installations.

The fleet is composed almost entirely of patrol vessels and small landing craft. Its assets are divided between two main flotillas: one responsible for the Mekong and Bassac rivers, headquartered in Phnom Penh, and another for the Gulf of Thailand, based at the Ream Naval Base. A significant portion of the RCN's operational vessels consists of patrol boats donated by China, with some older craft originating from Vietnam and other nations. While some of these are classified as "fast attack craft," the navy's overall combat capability is limited, and it does not possess major surface combatants or a significant anti-access/area denial capability.

Cambodia’s maritime strategy is intrinsically linked to its close relationship with China. Beijing has become the RCN's principal benefactor, funding the modernization of the Ream Naval Base and providing new vessels and training. While this assistance enhances the RCN's ability to conduct its constabulary duties, the development of the Ream base has also raised international concerns about its potential use by the Chinese People's Liberation Army Navy, though this has not been officially confirmed. The navy has plans to further strengthen its fleet with assistance from a number of international partners, but concrete, long-term acquisition programs beyond foreign donations are not publicly detailed.

The operational reach of the Royal Cambodian Navy is confined to its littoral and riverine environments. Its vessels are designed for inshore operations and lack the endurance and sophisticated systems required for sustained blue-water missions. The establishment of the National Committee for Maritime Security in 2010 was a step towards creating a more coordinated approach to national maritime security issues, and the navy works with and for this committee.