Military of Lesotho

The security forces are composed of the Lesotho Defence Force (LDF) and the Lesotho Mounted Police Service. The LDF consists of an army, an air wing, and a newly formed paramilitary wing. The LDF is answerable to the Prime Minister through the Ministry of Defence, while the Lesotho Mounted Police report to the Minister of Home Affairs. There also is a National Security Service, Intelligence, which is directly accountable to the Prime Minister. Relations between the police and the army have been tense, and in 1997 the army was called upon to put down a serious police mutiny.

Army units

• 7 x Infantry Companies
• 1 x Support Company (81mm mortars)
• 1 x Armoured Recon. Company (AML-90\RAM-2V\RBY MK-II\Shorland)
• 1 x Artillery Battery (L-118 Light-gun 105mm towed howitzer)
• 1 x Logistic Support Group

Military branches: Lesotho Defence Force (LDF; includes Army and Air Wing), Lesotho Mounted Police Service (LMPS)

Military manpower - availability:
males age 15-49: 526,332 (2002 est.)

Military manpower - fit for mili
tary service:
males age 15-49: 283,203 (2002 est.)

Military expenditures - dollar figure: $34 million (1999)

Military expenditures - percent of GDP: NA%

Military - note: The Lesotho Government in 1999 began an open debate on the future structure, size, and role of the armed forces, especially considering the Lesotho Defence Force's (LDF) history of intervening in political affairs.