Ministry of Defense (Laos)
| ກະຊວງປ້ອງກັນປະເທດ | |
| Agency overview | |
|---|---|
| Formed | 2 December 1975 |
Preceding agency |
|
| Jurisdiction |  Laos |
| Headquarters |
|
Minister responsible |
|
| Website | https://www.mod.gov.la/ |
The Ministry of Defense (Lao: ກະຊວງປ້ອງກັນປະເທດ) is the government ministry of the Lao Peoples' Democratic Republic responsible for the administration, oversight, and operations of the Lao People's Armed Forces. It serves as the administrative body managing national defense policy, military procurement, and the state's military branches. The political leadership of the ministry is tightly intertwined with the ruling Lao People's Revolutionary Party (LPRP), specifically vis-à-vis the Central Committee for National Defense and Security which is chaired by the General Secretary of the LPRP (who serves as Commander-in-Chief).[1][2]
History
Kingdom of Laos Era (1953–1975)
The Ministry of Defense existed under the Kingdom of Laos following its formal independence from France in 1953. During this era, the ministry oversaw the Royal Lao Armed Forces.
Lao People's Democratic Republic (1975–present)
The ministry was reorganized on 2 December 1975 following the victory of the Pathet Lao and the abolishment of the monarchy. Khamtai Siphandone served as the first Minister of Defense for the socialist state, holding the post for over fifteen years.
Organization
The ministry is divided into several primary directorates, including:
- General Staff Department
- General Political Department
- General Logistics Department
- General Equipment Department
- Inspection Department[3]
Institutions
- Kaysone Phomvihane National Defence Academy
- Lao People's Army Newspaper
List of Ministers
See also
References
- ↑ Savada, Andrea Matles (1995). Laos: A Country Study. Federal Research Division, Library of Congress. ISBN 978-0-8444-0832-3.
- ↑ "Lao Ministry of National Defense". www.globalsecurity.org. Retrieved 2026-06-29.
- ↑ "Laos ministy of national defence". www.mod.gov.la. Retrieved 2026-06-29.