Lao People's Armed Forces

Lao People's Armed Forces
ກອງທັບປະຊາຊົນລາວ
Emblem of Lao People's Armed Forces
Flag of the Lao People's Armed Forces
Founded20 January 1949 (1949-01-20)
Service branchesLao People's Army (includes Riverine Force)
Lao People's Air Force
Self-Defense Militia Forces
HeadquartersVientiane
Leadership
Governing bodyDefence and Public Security Commission
Commander in ChiefGeneral Secretary Thongloun Sisoulith
Minister of DefenceGeneral Khamlieng Outhakaysone
Chief of the General StaffLieutenant General Saichay Kommasith
Personnel
Military age18- 45 years of age for compulsory military service
Conscriptionminimum 18 months
Active personnel100,000
Reserve personnel30,000
Expenditure
Budget$39 million (2024)
Percent of GDP0.23% (2024)
Industry
Foreign suppliers China
Indonesia
Russia
Ukraine
United States
Vietnam
Related articles
HistoryFirst Indochinese War
Vietnam War

Communist insurgency in Thailand
Third Indochina War

RanksMilitary ranks of Laos

The Lao People's Armed Forces (LPAF) (Lao: ກອງທັບປະຊາຊົນລາວ, romanizedKongthap Paxaxon Lao) is the armed forces of the Lao People's Democratic Republic and the institution of the Lao People's Revolutionary Party.