Laos Army Pulls Out Big Guns to Mark 75th Anniversary

February 19, 2024 February 19, 2024

19 Februari 2024

Anniversary of the 75th Lao People's Army (photo: Lao people's Army News)

Army personnel across the country are rolling into action across the country to mark the 75th anniversary of the Lao People’s Army on January 20.

The celebrations serve to indicate the country’s military might and the ways in which the Lao People’s Army has developed over the past 75 years.

Norinco PCL-09, export version of CS/SH1, a Chinese truck-mounted 122mm self-propelled howitzer of the LPA (photo: VientianeTimes)

Many army units under the Ministry of National Defence assembled at the Kommadam Academy in Vientiane for a training exercise to mark the historic anniversary.

The display was attended by Deputy Minister of National Defence, Lieutenant General Khamlieng Outhakaysone.

S-60 anti-aircraft gun of the LPA (photo: LATV)

Having been through a rigorous training programme in recent months, the specialised combat units put their training into practice, delivering a display that demonstrated finesse and unity.

The display featured the firing of 122mm guns and BM-21 guns and the use of fixed T-72 tanks to destroy armoured vehicles and other equipment that had been set up as targets.

T-72B1MS MBT of the LPA (photo: LATV)

In another event to mark the army’s 75th anniversary, Prime Minister Sonexay Siphandone and his delegation on Tuesday visited the commanders and soldiers of Battalion 605 in Vientiane.

The Prime Minister gave a speech in which he praised the fruits of the revolution and the sacrifices made by the Lao People’s Army throughout the past 75 years.

BM-21 Grad of the LPA (photo: LATV)

Elsewhere, in Xayaboury province military personnel also staged a weapons firing exercise to mark the anniversary.

The drill aimed to test and demonstrate the ability of commanders to lead personnel in the effective use of weaponry and specialised combat techniques, so that their actions were coordinated, proficient and concise.

Shaanxi Tiger 4x4 armoured vehicles of the LPA (photo: LATV)

Those taking part in the exercise showed their expertise in putting theory into practice, in preparation for an actual battlefield scenario.

Events like these will continue until the anniversary itself on January 20, making everyone aware of the army’s prowess as a fighting force to be reckoned with.

BMP-1 amphibious IFV of the LPA (photo: LATV)

There will also be military and mass sports competitions at the Main Army Stadium 5 in central Vientiane, and a shooting exercise involving the participation of all combat units at the training ground of the Kommadam Academy on January 17.

On January 19, Party and state leaders will hold a national celebration at the National Convention Centre, which will be broadcast live on television and radio.