View source for Lesotho Defence Force

{{Short description|Military of Lesotho}}
{{Infobox national military
| name               = Lesotho Defence Force
| native_name        = 
| image              = [[File:Lesotho Defence Force insignia.svg|200px]]
| alt                = 	
| caption            = Lesotho Defence Force insignia 	
| motto              = {{lang|st|Ts'epo ea Sechaba}}<br>(Hope of the nation)
| founded            = 1978
| current_form       =
| disbanded          =
| branches           = Army<br>Air wing
| headquarters       = [[Maseru]]
| flying_hours       =
| website            = {{URL|www.ldf.gov.ls}}
<!-- Leadership -->
| commander-in-chief = King [[Letsie III of Lesotho|Letsie III]]
| commander-in-chief_title = [[List of monarchs of Lesotho|Monarch]]
| chief minister     = [[Sam Matekane]]
| chief minister_title = [[List of Prime Ministers of Lesotho|Prime Minister]]
| minister           = Sam Matekane
| minister_title     = Minister of Defence and National Security
| commander          = [[Lieutenant General]] Mojalefa Letsoela
| commander_title    = [[Commander of the Lesotho Defence Force|Commander of the Defence Force]]
<!-- Manpower -->
| age                =
| conscription       =
| manpower_data      =
| manpower_age       =
| available          =
| available_f        =
| fit                =
| fit_f              =
| reaching           =
| reaching_f         =
| active             = 2,000 personnel<ref name="IISS">{{cite book |date= 2019 |title= Military Balance 2019 |publisher= IISS |page=475}}</ref>
| ranked             =
| reserve            =
| deployed           =
<!-- Financial -->
| amount             =
| percent_GDP        =
<!-- Industrial -->
| domestic_suppliers =
| foreign_suppliers  =
| imports            =
| exports            =
<!-- Related articles -->
| history            =
| ranks              = [[Military ranks of Lesotho]]
}}

The '''Lesotho Defence Force''' ('''LDF''') is the military of the [[Southern Africa]]n [[Lesotho|Kingdom of Lesotho]], which consists of about 2,000 personnel<ref name="IISS"/> and is tasked with maintaining internal security, territorial integrity, and defending the [[constitution of Lesotho]]. Since the mountainous kingdom is completely landlocked by [[South Africa]], in practice the country's external defence is guaranteed by its larger neighbour, so the armed forces are mainly used for internal security. The LDF is an army with a small air wing.

== History ==
The military was established in 1978.<ref name="global" /> The Lesotho Defence Force participated in the [[1986 Lesotho coup d'état|military coup in 1986]], internal conflicts in [[Ntsu Mokhehle|1994]] and [[1998 Lesotho general election|1998]], and unrest in [[2007 Lesotho general election|2007]].<ref name="mg">Allison, Simon (5 September 2017). [https://mg.co.za/article/2017-09-05-new-lesotho-murders-highlight-need-for-military-reform New Lesotho murders highlight need for military reform]. ''[[Mail and Guardian]]''. Retrieved 13 April 2019.</ref> 

Following the [[1993 Lesotho general election]], in August 1994, King [[Letsie III]] dissolved the newly elected parliament in a [[coup d'état]] that was supported by the military.<ref>Dr. Mothibe, T. [https://opendocs.ids.ac.uk/opendocs/bitstream/handle/123456789/6188/T%20H%20Mothibe.pdf?sequence=1 The Military and Democratisation in Lesotho]. National University of Lesotho.</ref>

On [[2014 Lesotho political crisis|30 August 2014]], an alleged military coup took place, forcing then-Prime Minister [[Tom Thabane]] to flee to South Africa for three days.<ref>[https://www.bbc.com/news/world-africa-28994193 Lesotho 'coup' forces PM Thabane to South Africa] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180802202642/https://www.bbc.com/news/world-africa-28994193 |date=2 August 2018 }}. BBC. 30 August 2014.</ref><ref>[https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/world-africa-29045113 Lesotho PM Thabane returns home after fleeing 'coup'] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20181029082641/https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/world-africa-29045113 |date=29 October 2018 }}. BBC. 3 September 2014</ref> A brief crisis occurred in September 2017 when [[Lieutenant general|Lieutenant General]] Khoantle Motsomotso (then-commander of the LDF) was assassinated by some junior officers, leading to an intervention by the [[Southern African Development Community]] (SADC).<ref>[https://www.france24.com/en/20170909-lesotho-military-politics-make-dangerous-mix In Lesotho, military and politics make a dangerous mix]. ''[[France 24]]''. Published 9 September 2017. Retrieved 13 April 2019.</ref><ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.reuters.com/article/us-lesotho-assassination/commander-of-lesotho-defense-force-shot-dead-defense-official-idUSKCN1BG1WH|title=Commander of Lesotho defense force shot dead: defense official|access-date=5 September 2017}}</ref><ref>[https://www.timeslive.co.za/news/africa/2017-12-04-sadc-force-deployed-in-lesotho-after-killing-of-army-commander/ SADC fore deployed in Lesotho after killing of army commander]. ''Times Live''. Published 4 December 2017. Retrieved 13 April 2019.</ref>

In 2021, a LDF contingent was sent to Mozambique as part of the [[Southern African Development Community (SADC) Mission in Mozambique (SAMIM)|Southern African Development Community Mission in Mozambique (SAMIM)]] to assist the Mozambican government during the [[insurgency in Cabo Delgado]]. The contingent consequently took part in [[2021 Cabo Delgado offensives|pro-government offensives]] from August 2021.<ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.caboligado.com/reports/cabo-ligado-weekly-30-august-5-september-2021 |title=Cabo Ligado Weekly: 30 August-5 September |work=Cabo Ligado ([[Armed Conflict Location and Event Data Project|ACLED]], Zitamar News, Mediafax) |date=7 September 2021 |access-date=13 September 2021 }}</ref>

==Army==
The army of Lesotho began in the 1960s initially as a paramilitary police force, established separately from the [[Lesotho Mounted Police Service]] on 1 April 1978. It was recognised as an army in August 1979 and was expanded in the 1980s in response to [[Basutoland Congress Party]] insurgent activities. After the January 1986 military coup that brought General [[Justin Lekhanya]] to power, the army was renamed the '''Royal Lesotho Defence Force'''. As of 1990, it was estimated to have about 2,000 personnel divided into one recon company, one artillery battery, seven companies, one special forces platoon, and a support company.<ref name="global">[https://www.globalsecurity.org/military/world/africa/ls-army.htm Lesotho Defense Force (LDF)]. Global Security. Accessed 13 April 2019.</ref>

== Equipment ==
=== Small arms ===
{| class="wikitable" style="width:90%;"
|-
! width=16%| Name
! width=10%| Image
! width=15%| Caliber
! width=12%| Type
! width=10%| Origin
! width=28%| Notes
|-
! colspan="6"| Submachine guns
|-
| [[Sterling submachine gun|Sterling]]<ref name="jones2009">{{cite book |editor-last=Jones |editor-first=Richard D. |date=January 27, 2009 |title=Jane's Infantry Weapons 2009/2010 |edition=35th |publisher=Jane's Information Group |isbn=978-0-7106-2869-5}}</ref>
| [[File:Sterling SMG.JPG|150px]]
| [[9×19mm]]
| [[Submachine gun]]
| {{Flag|United Kingdom}}
| 
|-
| [[Uzi]]<ref name="Beyond Blue Helmets">{{cite book|title=Beyond Blue Helmets: Promoting Weapons and Ammunition Management in Non-UN Peace Operations|first=Eric G. |last=Berman|publisher=[[Small Arms Survey]]/MPOME |date=March 2019|url=http://www.smallarmssurvey.org/fileadmin/docs/U-Reports/SAS-MPOME-Report-WAM-Non-UN-Peace-Ops.pdf|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190603103636/http://www.smallarmssurvey.org/fileadmin/docs/U-Reports/SAS-MPOME-Report-WAM-Non-UN-Peace-Ops.pdf|url-status=dead|archive-date=June 3, 2019|page=43}}</ref>
| [[File:Uzi of the israeli armed forces.jpg|150px]]
| [[9×19mm]]
| [[Submachine gun]]
| {{Flag|Israel}}
| 
|-
! colspan="6"| Rifles
|-
| [[AKM]]<ref name="jones2009">{{cite book |editor-last=Jones |editor-first=Richard D. |date=January 27, 2009 |title=Jane's Infantry Weapons 2009/2010 |edition=35th |publisher=Jane's Information Group |isbn=978-0-7106-2869-5}}</ref>
| [[File:AKM automatkarbin Ryssland - 7,62x39mm - Armémuseum rightside noBG.png|150px]]
| [[7.62×39mm]]
| [[Assault rifle]]
| {{Flag|Soviet Union}}
|
|-
| [[AK-74]]<ref name="Beyond Blue Helmets">{{cite book|title=Beyond Blue Helmets: Promoting Weapons and Ammunition Management in Non-UN Peace Operations|first=Eric G. |last=Berman|publisher=[[Small Arms Survey]]/MPOME |date=March 2019|url=http://www.smallarmssurvey.org/fileadmin/docs/U-Reports/SAS-MPOME-Report-WAM-Non-UN-Peace-Ops.pdf|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190603103636/http://www.smallarmssurvey.org/fileadmin/docs/U-Reports/SAS-MPOME-Report-WAM-Non-UN-Peace-Ops.pdf|url-status=dead|archive-date=June 3, 2019|page=43}}</ref>
| [[File:AKS-74.png|150px]]
| [[5.45×39mm]]
| [[Assault rifle]]
| {{Flag|Soviet Union}}
| 
|-
| [[Type 56 assault rifle|Type 56]]<ref name="jones2009">{{cite book |editor-last=Jones |editor-first=Richard D. |date=January 27, 2009 |title=Jane's Infantry Weapons 2009/2010 |edition=35th |publisher=Jane's Information Group |isbn=978-0-7106-2869-5}}</ref>
| [[File:Type 56 mod02 noBG.png|150px]]
| [[7.62×39mm]]
| [[Assault rifle]]
| {{Flag|China}}
| 
|-
| [[IMI Galil]]<ref name="jones2009">{{cite book |editor-last=Jones |editor-first=Richard D. |date=January 27, 2009 |title=Jane's Infantry Weapons 2009/2010 |edition=35th |publisher=Jane's Information Group |isbn=978-0-7106-2869-5}}</ref>
| [[File:Galil noBG.png|150px]]
| [[5.56×45mm]]
| [[Assault rifle]]
| {{Flag|Israel}}
| 
|-
| [[Vektor R4]]<ref name="Beyond Blue Helmets">{{cite book|title=Beyond Blue Helmets: Promoting Weapons and Ammunition Management in Non-UN Peace Operations|first=Eric G. |last=Berman|publisher=[[Small Arms Survey]]/MPOME |date=March 2019|url=http://www.smallarmssurvey.org/fileadmin/docs/U-Reports/SAS-MPOME-Report-WAM-Non-UN-Peace-Ops.pdf|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190603103636/http://www.smallarmssurvey.org/fileadmin/docs/U-Reports/SAS-MPOME-Report-WAM-Non-UN-Peace-Ops.pdf|url-status=dead|archive-date=June 3, 2019|page=43}}</ref>
| [[File:Vektor LM5 Feb 2008.jpg|150px]]
| [[5.56×45mm]]
| [[Assault rifle]]
| {{Flag|South Africa|1928}}
| 
|-
| [[M16 rifle|M16]]<ref>Jane's Special Forces Recognition Guide, Ewen Southby-Tailyour (2005) p. 446.</ref>
| [[File:M16A2 rightside noBG.jpg|150px]]
| [[5.56×45mm]]
| [[Assault rifle]]
| {{Flag|United States}}
| 
|-
| [[Beretta AR70/90]]<ref name="jones2009">{{cite book |editor-last=Jones |editor-first=Richard D. |date=January 27, 2009 |title=Jane's Infantry Weapons 2009/2010 |edition=35th |publisher=Jane's Information Group |isbn=978-0-7106-2869-5}}</ref>
| [[File:Beretta AR70 noBG.png|150px]]
| [[5.56×45mm]]
| [[Assault rifle]]
| {{Flag|Italy}}
| 
|-
| [[FN FAL]]<ref name="Beyond Blue Helmets">{{cite book|title=Beyond Blue Helmets: Promoting Weapons and Ammunition Management in Non-UN Peace Operations|first=Eric G. |last=Berman|publisher=[[Small Arms Survey]]/MPOME |date=March 2019|url=http://www.smallarmssurvey.org/fileadmin/docs/U-Reports/SAS-MPOME-Report-WAM-Non-UN-Peace-Ops.pdf|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190603103636/http://www.smallarmssurvey.org/fileadmin/docs/U-Reports/SAS-MPOME-Report-WAM-Non-UN-Peace-Ops.pdf|url-status=dead|archive-date=June 3, 2019|page=43}}</ref>
| [[File:FN-FAL belgian noBG.png|150px]]
| [[7.62×51mm]]
| [[Battle rifle]]
| {{Flag|Belgium}}
| 
|-
| [[Lee-Enfield]]{{sfn|BICC|p=4|}}
| [[File:SMLE-No4-Mk1.png|150px]]
| [[.303 British]]
| [[Bolt-action rifle]]
| {{Flag|British Empire}}
| 
|-
! colspan="6"| Sniper rifles
|-
| [[SVD (rifle)|SVD]]<ref name="Beyond Blue Helmets">{{cite book|title=Beyond Blue Helmets: Promoting Weapons and Ammunition Management in Non-UN Peace Operations|first=Eric G. |last=Berman|publisher=[[Small Arms Survey]]/MPOME |date=March 2019|url=http://www.smallarmssurvey.org/fileadmin/docs/U-Reports/SAS-MPOME-Report-WAM-Non-UN-Peace-Ops.pdf|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190603103636/http://www.smallarmssurvey.org/fileadmin/docs/U-Reports/SAS-MPOME-Report-WAM-Non-UN-Peace-Ops.pdf|url-status=dead|archive-date=June 3, 2019|page=43}}</ref>
| [[File:SVD Dragunov.jpg|150px]]
| [[7.62×54mmR]] 
| [[Designated marksman rifle]]<br>[[Sniper rifle]]
| {{Flag|Soviet Union}}
| 
|-
! colspan="6"| Machine guns
|-
| [[Bren light machine gun|Bren]]{{sfn|Jones|Ness|2009|p=}}
| [[File:Bren1.jpg|150px]]
| [[7.62×51mm]]
| [[Light machine gun]]
| {{Flag|United Kingdom}}
|   
|-
| [[RPD machine gun|RPD]]<ref name="Beyond Blue Helmets">{{cite book|title=Beyond Blue Helmets: Promoting Weapons and Ammunition Management in Non-UN Peace Operations|first=Eric G. |last=Berman|publisher=[[Small Arms Survey]]/MPOME |date=March 2019|url=http://www.smallarmssurvey.org/fileadmin/docs/U-Reports/SAS-MPOME-Report-WAM-Non-UN-Peace-Ops.pdf|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190603103636/http://www.smallarmssurvey.org/fileadmin/docs/U-Reports/SAS-MPOME-Report-WAM-Non-UN-Peace-Ops.pdf|url-status=dead|archive-date=June 3, 2019|page=43}}</ref>
| [[File:LMG-RPD-44 noBG.png|150px]]
| [[7.62×39mm]] 
| [[Squad automatic weapon]]
| {{Flag|Soviet Union|1936}}
| 
|-
| [[RPK]]<ref name="Beyond Blue Helmets">{{cite book|title=Beyond Blue Helmets: Promoting Weapons and Ammunition Management in Non-UN Peace Operations|first=Eric G. |last=Berman|publisher=[[Small Arms Survey]]/MPOME |date=March 2019|url=http://www.smallarmssurvey.org/fileadmin/docs/U-Reports/SAS-MPOME-Report-WAM-Non-UN-Peace-Ops.pdf|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190603103636/http://www.smallarmssurvey.org/fileadmin/docs/U-Reports/SAS-MPOME-Report-WAM-Non-UN-Peace-Ops.pdf|url-status=dead|archive-date=June 3, 2019|page=43}}</ref>
| 
| [[7.62×39mm]] 
| [[Squad automatic weapon]]
| {{Flag|Soviet Union}}
| 
|-
| [[FN MAG]]<ref name="Beyond Blue Helmets">{{cite book|title=Beyond Blue Helmets: Promoting Weapons and Ammunition Management in Non-UN Peace Operations|first=Eric G. |last=Berman|publisher=[[Small Arms Survey]]/MPOME |date=March 2019|url=http://www.smallarmssurvey.org/fileadmin/docs/U-Reports/SAS-MPOME-Report-WAM-Non-UN-Peace-Ops.pdf|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190603103636/http://www.smallarmssurvey.org/fileadmin/docs/U-Reports/SAS-MPOME-Report-WAM-Non-UN-Peace-Ops.pdf|url-status=dead|archive-date=June 3, 2019|page=43}}</ref>
| [[File:FN MAG white background.jpg|150px]]
| [[7.62×51mm]]
| [[General-purpose machine gun]]
| {{Flag|Belgium}}
| 
|-
| [[Browning M2]]<ref name="Beyond Blue Helmets">{{cite book|title=Beyond Blue Helmets: Promoting Weapons and Ammunition Management in Non-UN Peace Operations|first=Eric G. |last=Berman|publisher=[[Small Arms Survey]]/MPOME |date=March 2019|url=http://www.smallarmssurvey.org/fileadmin/docs/U-Reports/SAS-MPOME-Report-WAM-Non-UN-Peace-Ops.pdf|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190603103636/http://www.smallarmssurvey.org/fileadmin/docs/U-Reports/SAS-MPOME-Report-WAM-Non-UN-Peace-Ops.pdf|url-status=dead|archive-date=June 3, 2019|page=43}}</ref>
| [[File:PEO Browning M2E2 QCB (c1).jpg|150px]]
| [[.50 BMG]]
| [[Heavy machine gun]]
| {{Flag|United States|1912}}
|
|-
! colspan="6"| Rocket propelled grenade launchers
|-
| [[RPG-7]]<ref name="Beyond Blue Helmets">{{cite book|title=Beyond Blue Helmets: Promoting Weapons and Ammunition Management in Non-UN Peace Operations|first=Eric G. |last=Berman|publisher=[[Small Arms Survey]]/MPOME |date=March 2019|url=http://www.smallarmssurvey.org/fileadmin/docs/U-Reports/SAS-MPOME-Report-WAM-Non-UN-Peace-Ops.pdf|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190603103636/http://www.smallarmssurvey.org/fileadmin/docs/U-Reports/SAS-MPOME-Report-WAM-Non-UN-Peace-Ops.pdf|url-status=dead|archive-date=June 3, 2019|page=43}}</ref>
| [[File:Rpg-7.jpg|150px]]
| 40mm
| [[Rocket-propelled grenade]]
| {{Flag|Soviet Union}}
| 
|}

===Anti-tank weapons===
{| class="wikitable" style="width:90%;"
|-
! width=16%| Name
! width=21%| Image
! width=15%| Type
! width=12%| Origin
! width=10%| Caliber
! width=26%| Notes
|-
| [[M40 recoilless rifle|M40A1]]{{sfn|Military Balance 2016|p=340}}
| [[File:Recoilless-rifle-beyt-hatotchan-1.jpg|150px]]
| [[Recoilless rifle]]
| {{Flag|United States|1912}}
| 106mm
| 6 in service.
|}

===Tanks===
{| class="wikitable" style="width:90%;"
|-
! width=14%| Name
! width=20%| Image
! width=14%| Type
! width=12%| Origin
! width=10%| Quantity
! width=06%| Status
! width=24%| Notes
|-
| [[T-55]]
| [[File:6765 - Moscow - Poklonnaya Hill - Tank.JPG|150px]]
| [[Medium tank]] 
| {{Flag|Soviet Union}}
| 1<ref name="IISS 2021">{{cite book |last=[[International Institute for Strategic Studies]]|date=2021|title=The Military Balance|page=473|isbn=9781032012278}}</ref>
| 
| 
|}

===Scout cars===
{| class="wikitable" style="width:90%;"
|-
! width=14%| Name
! width=20%| Image
! width=14%| Type
! width=12%| Origin
! width=10%| Quantity
! width=06%| Status
! width=24%| Notes
|-
| [[BRDM-2]]
| [[File:BRDM-2 (1964) owned by James Stewart pic7.JPG|150px]]
| [[Amphibious vehicle|Amphibious]] [[Scout car|armored scout car]]
| {{Flag|Soviet Union}}
| 2<ref name="IISS 2021">{{cite book |last=[[International Institute for Strategic Studies]]|date=2021|title=The Military Balance|page=473|isbn=9781032012278}}</ref>
| 
| 
|}

===Reconnaissance===
{| class="wikitable" style="width:90%;"
|-
! width=14%| Name
! width=20%| Image
! width=14%| Type
! width=12%| Origin
! width=10%| Quantity
! width=06%| Status
! width=24%| Notes
|-
| [[Panhard AML]]
| [[File:AML-90 DM-SC-91-12078.JPEG|150px]]
| [[Armored car (military)|Armored car]]
| {{Flag|France}}
| 6<ref name="IISS 2021">{{cite book |last=[[International Institute for Strategic Studies]]|date=2021|title=The Military Balance|page=473|isbn=9781032012278}}</ref>
| 
| 
|-
| [[RAM MK3]]
| [[File:RAM2000vehicle.jpg|150px]]
| [[Armoured fighting vehicle|Armored Car]]
| {{Flag|Israel}}
| 6<ref name="IISS 2021">{{cite book |last=[[International Institute for Strategic Studies]]|date=2021|title=The Military Balance|page=473|isbn=9781032012278}}</ref>
| 
| 
|-
| [[RBY Mk 1]]
| [[File:RBY-MkI-latrun-2.jpg|150px]]
| [[Armored fighting vehicle|Armored Car]]
| {{Flag|Israel}}
| 10<ref name="IISS 2021">{{cite book |last=[[International Institute for Strategic Studies]]|date=2021|title=The Military Balance|page=473|isbn=9781032012278}}</ref>
| 
| 
|-
| [[Shorland armoured car|Shorland S52]]
| [[File:Shorland armoured car mk1.jpg|150px]]
| [[Armored car (military)|Armored car]]
| {{Flag|United Kingdom}}
| 8<ref name="IISS 2021">{{cite book |last=[[International Institute for Strategic Studies]]|date=2021|title=The Military Balance|page=473|isbn=9781032012278}}</ref>
| 
| 
|}

==Air Wing==
[[File:Lesotho Defense Force 2009.jpg|thumb|LDF Guard of Honor]]
The '''Lesotho Defence Force Air Wing''' was originally a 1978-offshoot of the paramilitary police mobile unit and began operations with two [[Short Skyvan]] twin turboprop STOL transports, a leased [[Cessna 152|Cessna A152 Aerobat]], two [[MBB Bo 105]] helicopters, and a [[Bell 47]]G helicopter converted to turboshaft power. Two [[Mil Mi-2]] twin-turbine helicopters were donated by Libya in 1983 but were retired by 1986.

Deliveries of four [[Bell 412]] helicopters were delayed in 1983 to 1986 because of South Africa's influence. This changed when a 1986 military coup resulted in new security agreements with South Africa being signed. In the mid-1980s the air wing was merged into the Lesotho Defence Force. In 1989, the Skyvans were replaced by two [[CASA C-212 Aviocar]] light turboprop transports; one immediately crashed, requiring a third to be delivered in 1992. A fifth Bell 412 (an EP model) was delivered in May 1998 to replace the one written off the previous January.

===Aircraft===
[[File:LesothoAir Force roundel.svg|180px|thumb|Lesotho Defence Force roundel]]
{| class="wikitable"
! style="text-align:center; background:#acc;"|Aircraft
! style="text-align: center; background:#acc;"|Origin
! style="text-align:l center; background:#acc;"|Type
! style="text-align:left; background:#acc;"|Variant
! style="text-align:center; background:#acc;"|In service
! style="text-align: center; background:#acc;"|Notes
|-
! style="align: center; background: lavender;" colspan="7" | [[Military transport aircraft|Transport]]
|-
|[[CASA C-212 Aviocar|CASA C-212]]
|[[Spain]]
|[[Military transport aircraft|Transport]]
|
|2<ref name="World Air Forces 2023">{{cite web |last = |first = |url= https://www.flightglobal.com/download?ac=90688|title = World Air Forces 2023|work= |publisher= Flightglobal Insight|year= 2023 |doi = |accessdate= 24 December 2022|url-access=registration}}</ref>
|
|-
|[[GippsAero GA8 Airvan|GippsAero GA8]]
|[[Australia]]
|[[Utility aircraft|Utility]]
|
|1<ref name="World Air Forces 2023"/>
|
|-
! style="align: center; background: lavender;" colspan="7"  | [[Helicopter]]s
|-
|[[Bell 412]]
| [[United States]]
|[[Utility helicopter|Utility]]
|
| 3<ref name="World Air Forces 2023"/>
| 
|-
|[[Eurocopter AS350]]
| [[France]]
|Light utility
|
|3<ref name="World Air Forces 2023"/>
|
|}

=== Accidents and incidents ===
 
13 April 2017, a [[Eurocopter EC 135 T2+|Eurocopter EC135 T2+]] crashed in the area of Thaba Putsoa, killing all four people on board. The helicopter was carrying three soldiers and an official from the Ministry of Finance who was delivering pensions to outlying districts. Officials reported it hit power lines and crashed in mountainous terrain near Thaba Putsoa, killing two of the soldiers and critically injuring the other two passengers, both of whom later died in hospital from their injuries.

==See also==
*[[Commander of the Lesotho Defence Force]]

==References==
{{Reflist}}

===Works cited===
* {{cite report |title=Lee-Enfield SMLE |url=https://salw-guide.bicc.de/pdf/weapons/011/lee-enfield-smle.std.en.pdf |page=3 |series=SALW Guide: Global distribution and visual identification |ref={{harvid|BICC}} |author=Bonn International Center for Conversion |author-link=Bonn International Center for Conversion}}
* {{cite book |title=The Military Balance 2016 |date=February 2016 |volume=116 |isbn=9781857438352 |publisher=Routlegde |ref={{harvid|Military Balance 2016}} |author=International Institute for Strategic Studies |author-link=International Institute for Strategic Studies}}
* {{cite book |editor1-first=Richard D. |editor1-last=Jones |editor2-first=Leland S. |editor2-last=Ness |title=Jane's Infantry Weapons 2009/2010 |date=27 January 2009 |edition=35th |publisher=Jane's Information Group |location=Coulsdon |isbn=978-0-7106-2869-5}}

{{commons category|Military of Lesotho}}

{{Military of Africa}}
{{Authority control}}

[[Category:Military of Lesotho]]
[[Category:1978 establishments in Lesotho]]