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After gaining independence in 1953, a senior military training school was established under the name “Royal Military Academy.” However, it was later abolished during the Lon Nol regime and was completely destroyed during the Khmer Rouge genocide under Pol Pot, resulting in massive loss of life and property.

Under the leadership of the Cambodian People’s Party, following the liberation on January 7, 1979, the first military school was established, consisting of two campuses:

1. The Combined Arms Military School in Pochentong – designated for high-ranking officials to study and reside.
2. The Military School in the Friendship Village, Russey Keo District, Phnom Penh – designated for mid-level officers to study and reside. This school was named the “Military Training and Education School for Senior Officers.”

In April 1997, Prime Minister Hun Sen officially named it the “Royal Academy of Cambodia (Kh.P.M.)”.

In 2001, the “Royal Academy of Cambodia (Kh.P.M.)” was renamed the “Cambodian Military Institute.”

In 2006, the Cambodian Military Institute was further upgraded and renamed the “National Defense University”, as per Sub-Decree No. 132, dated November 28, 2006.