Introduction
In Lesotho, Lesotho's declared policy for its military is the maintenance of the country's sovereignty and the preservation of internal security; in practice, external security is guaranteed by South Africa; the LDF is a small force comprised of about a half dozen infantry companies; it began in 1964 as the Police Mobile Unit (PMU); the PMU was designated as the Lesotho Paramilitary Force in 1980 and became the Royal Lesotho Defense Force in 1986; it was renamed the Lesotho Defense Force in 1993 (2024)
Security and military information of Lesotho
| Military and security service personnel strengths | approximately 2,000 personnel (2023) |
|---|---|
| Military equipment inventories and acquisitions | the LDF has a small inventory of mostly older, obsolescent, or second-hand weapons and equipment from a variety of countries (2023) |
| Military service age and obligation | 18-30 years of age for voluntary military service for both men and women (women can serve in combat arms); no conscription (2024). |
| Military deployments | . |
| Military expenditures | |
| Military Expenditures 2023 | 1.5% of GDP (2023 est.) |
| Military Expenditures 2022 | 1.6% of GDP (2022 est.) |
| Military Expenditures 2021 | 1.5% of GDP (2021 est.) |
| Military Expenditures 2020 | 1.6% of GDP (2020 est.) |
| Military Expenditures 2019 | 1.8% of GDP (2019 est.) |
All Important Facts about Lesotho
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