Laos may be a landlocked country, but it still maintains a naval force. At first glance, this seems contradictory.
After all, how can a country with no access to the sea have a navy?
The answer lies in geography, history, and national security.
A Landlocked Nation With Strategic Waters
Though Laos lacks a coastline, the country is home to one of Southeast Asia’s most important rivers: the Mekong. Stretching over 1,800 kilometers within Lao territory, the Mekong is a vital resource for trade, transportation, and agriculture. It also forms a long stretch of the country’s border with Thailand.
In this context, Laos' navy functions more accurately as a riverine force. Rather than patrolling oceans, they monitor and defend the nation's inland waterways.
The river serves not only as a life source but also as a potential corridor for smuggling, illegal crossings, or insurgent movements. This makes river security a critical aspect of Laos' national defense. The naval unit, often referred to as the Lao River Patrol Force, ensures that this strategic waterway remains secure.
Historical Roots of Laos’ Naval Force
According to The Cove, an Australian Army learning platform, the Lao People's Navy was officially formed in 1974, following the dissolution of the Royal Lao Government. The initial unit was built using leftover vessels from the Royal Lao Navy, including around 20 river patrol boats and amphibious landing craft supplied by the United States.
As the country transitioned into a communist state, this river-based force was incorporated into the Lao People's Army. In practice, it began operating more as a marine section of the army rather than a standalone navy.
Vietnamese military advisors played a significant role in shaping its structure, training Lao personnel in river operations and vessel maintenance.
Cold War Tensions and Border Control
In the years following the Vietnam War, regional instability continued to be a concern. The Lao riverine unit was tasked with guarding against anti-government groups attempting to cross the Mekong River from Thailand.
During the early 1980s, Laos received additional patrol boats from the Soviet Union, increasing its operational capabilities. These included six Soviet-made Shmel-class patrol boats, along with other support vessels.
By 1994, Laos reportedly had fewer than 50 patrol boats. While many were aging or in need of repairs, the fleet still provided a basic level of inland security. Their presence along the river served as both a deterrent and a surveillance mechanism, helping to monitor one of the country's most vulnerable borders.
A Small but Purposeful Force
Today, the Lao river patrol force remains the smallest branch of the country’s military. Yet its importance is undiminished. The Mekong continues to be a vital artery for Laos, and maintaining control over it is essential for national sovereignty and regional stability.
Although modernization has been limited and much of the fleet is aging, the river navy continues to serve a vital role.
Their duties include monitoring cross-border movement, intercepting smuggling operations, and supporting disaster relief efforts in flood-prone regions.
A Navy Without the Sea
The existence of a navy in a landlocked nation might seem ironic, but in Laos' case, it makes perfect sense. The Mekong River acts as the country’s maritime frontier, and securing it is a matter of strategic necessity.
Rather than projecting power across oceans, Laos' navy reflects a pragmatic approach to geography and security: guarding what matters most, even if that’s a river instead of a coastline.
