Students from the National Defence Course for Future Leaders (NDCFL) Class 2, accompanied by General Songwit Noonpackdee, Chief of Defence Forces, and H.E. Mr. Robert F. Godec, U.S. Ambassador to Thailand, observed key operations of the 44th Cobra Gold military exercise on March 4, 2025. The visit took place at the 2nd Army Area Command, Suranaree Camp, Nakhon Ratchasima Province, and included demonstrations in staff exercises, cyber defence, space operations, and the All-Domain Exercise Coordination Center (ADECC).
The visit aimed to deepen participants’ understanding of national defence strategies and multinational joint operations, aligning with the NDCFL programme’s mission to develop visionary leaders equipped to navigate modern global security challenges.
NDCFL plays a pivotal role in building a national network of senior leaders across sectors with a focus on national security and development. Observing Cobra Gold provided a unique opportunity for students to witness the integration of Thai and allied forces in joint operations, reinforcing the significance of defence in both domestic policy and international cooperation. A highlight of the visit was the ADECC, which facilitates coordination across land, air, maritime, cyber, and space domains.
Cobra Gold is the largest multinational military exercise in the Indo-Pacific region, reinforcing Thailand–U.S. strategic ties and enhancing multilateral interoperability. The 44th edition runs from February 24 to March 7, 2025, with participation from 30 countries. The NDCFL’s engagement in this key event fosters cross-sector knowledge exchange and supports Thailand’s comprehensive security strategy.