Cobra Gold, Asia's largest multilateral exercise, involves 29 countries in 2018. (Photo: Reuters)

It is part of the 37^th Cobra Gold, Asia's largest multilateral military exercise, taking place until next Friday. The drill practices the swift transfer of military manpower and equipment to respond to a natural disaster. Some 11,000 service members from 29 countries are taking part in this year's exercise hosted by Thailand and the US. The exercise aims to enhance security cooperation and maintain readiness for humanitarian aid and disaster relief missions.