Lao People's Liberation Army Air Force
Air warfare branch of Laos' military
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The Lao People's Liberation Army Air Force (LPLAAF) (Lao: ກອງທັບອາກາດປະຊາຊົນລາວ, romanized: Kongthap Akat Paxaxon Lao) is the air force of Laos.[2]
| Lao People's Liberation Army Air Force | |
|---|---|
| ກອງທັບອາກາດປະຊາຊົນລາວ | |
Emblem of Lao People's Armed Forces | |
| Founded | 1975 |
| Country |  Laos |
| Type | Air force |
| Role | Aerial warfare |
| Size | 37 aircraft |
| Part of | Lao People's Armed Forces |
| Headquarters | Vientiane |
| Commanders | |
| Chief of Air Force | Major General Khamlek Sengphachanh[1] |
| Insignia | |
| Roundel |  |
| Fin flash |  |
| Aircraft flown | |
| Attack | Yak-130, K-8 |
| Helicopter | Z-9, -Ka-32, Mi-17/172 |
| Transport | MA600, An-26 |
History
The present-day LPLAAF is descended from the Aviation Laotienne, which was established by the French and later became the Royal Lao Air Force. Pathet Lao guerrilla forces began to operate a few aircraft from 1960, as did another rebel group led by Kong Le. Kong Le forces were later re-incorporated into the Royal Lao Air Force. The communist take-over in 1975 resulted in the adoption of the present title.[3]
A military co-operation agreement with Russia in 1997 resulted in 12 Mil Mi-17 (second hand) helicopters entering service in mid-1999 to follow on from previous deliveries of Mi-8s. SAM systems also entered service such as the SA-3 'Goa'.[4]
Bases
The LPLAAF operates from two main bases, Vientiane and Phonsavan, with another three bases supported by detachments from the main units. Apart from the main military air bases, there are also a number of smaller airports and airfields around the country which are frequently used by the air force and the semi-military airline Lao Airlines. In 1961 Laos had 25 airstrips capable of landing a C-47.[5]
Aircraft
Current inventory
| Aircraft | Origin | Type | Variant | In service | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Transport | |||||
| Xian MA600 | China | Transport | 1[6] | ||
| Antonov An-26 | Soviet Union | Transport | 1[6] | ||
| Helicopters | |||||
| Mil Mi-17 | Soviet Union | Transport / Utility | Mi-17/172 | 17[6] | |
| Harbin Z-9 | China | Utility | 4[6] | ||
| Kamov Ka-27 | Soviet Union | Utility | Ka-32 | 2[6] | |
| Attack | |||||
| Yakovlev Yak-130 | Russia | Advanced trainer | 3 | 6 on order.[6] 1 crashed in 2024.[7] | |
| Hongdu K-8 | China | Jet trainer | 4[6] | ||