Royal Cambodian Armed Forces troops will become familiar with a variety of new weapons during a five-day military exercise beginning on Friday.

Lieutenant General Eth Sarath, RCAF’s deputy commander in charge of military training, said the exercise will focus on practising using the newly purchased multi-rocket BM-21 launcher and tanks.

The exercises will employ about 20 of the BM-21s and 19 tanks.

“Military exercises are like sport,” Sarath said. “We need to train and exercise monthly or yearly, particularly with new equipment.”

In a statement, RCAF warned people in Phnom Srouch district, where the base is located, and nearby Borseth and Samrong Tong districts to stay clear of the exercise and to expect loud explosions.