Military & Security

Military - note

The Mongolian Armed Forces (MAF) are tasked with safeguarding the nation's sovereignty, security, and territorial integrity, while also promoting Mongolia's developmental objectives and diplomatic efforts. Their missions encompass counterterrorism, international peacekeeping operations, and collaboration with internal security forces in delivering emergency assistance and disaster response. Mongolia organizes an annual international peacekeeping drill titled "Khaan Quest." Although it does not maintain formal military alliances, it has established defense connections and engages in training exercises with various regional nations, including China, India, Russia, and the United States.

Mongolia collaborates with NATO on matters such as counterterrorism, nonproliferation, and cybersecurity through an Individual Partnership and Cooperation Program. It provided support to the NATO-led Kosovo Force from 2005 to 2007 and contributed troops to NATO missions in Afghanistan from 2009 to 2021. Additionally, Mongolia holds observer status in the Shanghai Cooperation Organization (2025).

Military deployments

850 South Sudan (UNMISS) (2025)

Military expenditures

Military and security forces

Mongolian Armed Forces (MAF): Land Force, Air Force, Cyber Security Forces, Special Forces, Construction-Engineering Forces (2025).

Military service age and obligation

Individuals aged 18-25 may voluntarily enlist, with an initial service period of 24 months. Compulsory military service starts at 18 for men, requiring 12 months of service in either the military or police, which may be extended to 15 months in specific situations. This compulsory service can be substituted with a 24-month commitment in civil service or a monetary compensation established by the Mongolian Government. After conscription, soldiers have the option to reenlist for military service for a duration of up to 4 years (2025).

Military equipment inventories and acquisitions

The inventory of the MAF primarily consists of Soviet-era and used Russian equipment (2025).

Military and security service personnel strengths

Estimates regarding the number of active members in the Mongolian Armed Forces vary; the figure is approximated to be between 10,000 and 20,000 (2025).