Thailand and the United States have launched the joint military exercise "Hanuman Guardian 2026" in Lopburi province, reinforcing the enduring defence partnership between the Royal Thai Army and the United States Army.

The exercise brings together Thai and American troops for a series of combined training activities designed to improve operational coordination, strengthen tactical capabilities and enhance readiness for a range of security scenarios.

The drills form part of a long-running bilateral programme aimed at deepening military cooperation and maintaining strong defence ties between the two longstanding partners.

Hanuman Guardian is an annual army-to-army training exercise hosted by the Royal Thai Army with participation from U.S. Army Pacific units.

The programme focuses on strengthening interoperability between the two forces and developing shared tactics and procedures that allow soldiers from both countries to operate effectively together in complex operational environments.

Training activities during the exercise include staff planning exercises, field training operations at platoon and company levels, and coordinated live-fire drills.

Additional programmes cover areas such as aviation operations, counter-improvised explosive device training, unmanned systems integration and military medical cooperation.

Military leaders from both countries say the drills are designed not only to strengthen operational capability but also to build trust and professional relationships among soldiers.

The exercise enables units to exchange operational experience and refine procedures that can be applied to humanitarian assistance, disaster response and regional security operations.

The exercise also reflects broader defence cooperation between Thailand and the United States.

Recent initiatives have included expanded joint training programmes and collaboration in modern military systems as the Royal Thai Army continues to modernise its capabilities.

Thailand and the United States maintain one of the longest-standing defence relationships in the Indo-Pacific region.

Joint exercises such as Hanuman Guardian complement larger multinational training programmes and contribute to maintaining stability and preparedness across the region.

Officials say the 2026 edition of Hanuman Guardian continues this tradition of cooperation, highlighting the strong strategic partnership between Thailand and the United States and their shared commitment to strengthening defence readiness and regional security.