Military & Security
Laos
Military - note
The primary objectives of the LPAF include ensuring border and internal security through counterinsurgency, counterterrorism, and counter-narcotics initiatives, in addition to safeguarding the regime; its defense allies encompass Cambodia, China, Russia, and Vietnam (2025)
Military expenditures
Military Expenditures 2015
0.2% of GDP (2015 est.)
Military Expenditures 2016
0.2% of GDP (2016 est.)
Military Expenditures 2017
0.2% of GDP (2017 est.)
Military Expenditures 2018
0.2% of GDP (2018 est.)
Military Expenditures 2019
0.2% of GDP (2019 est.)
Military and security forces
Lao People's Armed Forces (LPAF; also known as Lao People's Army): Lao People's Army (LPA, which includes Riverine Force), Lao People's Air Force (LPAF); Self-Defense Militia Forces (2025)
Military service age and obligation
Individuals must be 18 years old to enlist for voluntary military service; compulsory military service is mandated for males aged 18 to 35, requiring a minimum service duration of 18 months (2025)
Military equipment inventories and acquisitions
The LPAF is equipped with weaponry and equipment from Chinese, Russian, and Soviet-era origins (2025)
Military and security service personnel strengths
Information is limited and varies; it is estimated that there are 30,000 active Armed Forces members and approximately 100,000 Self-Defense Militia Forces (2025)