Lao People's Liberation Army Air Force
The Lao People's Liberation Army Air Force (LPLAAF) is the air force of Laos.[2]
| Lao People's Liberation Army Air Force | |
|---|---|
Emblem of Lao People's Armed Forces | |
| Founded | 1975 |
| Country | Laos |
| Type | Air force |
| Role | Aerial warfare |
| Size | 32 aircraft |
| Part of | Lao People's Armed Forces |
| Headquarters | Vientiane |
| Commanders | |
| Chief of Air Force | Colonel Khamlek Sengphachanh[1] |
| Insignia | |
| Roundel | |
| Fin flash | |
| Aircraft flown | |
| Helicopter | Mil Mi-17, Kamov Ka-32, Bell UH-1H, Harbin Z-9 |
| Trainer | Yakovlev Yak-130 |
| Transport | Xian MA600 |
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]
Military co-operation agreement with Russia in 1997 resulted in 12 Mil Mi-17 (second handed) helicopters that entered 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 | 2[6] | ||
| Antonov An-26 | Soviet Union | transport | 1[6] | ||
| Helicopters | |||||
| Mil Mi-17 | Soviet Union | utility / transport | Mi-17/172 | 17[6] | |
| Bell UH-1 | United States | utility | UH-1H | 4[6] | |
| Harbin Z-9 | China | utility | 4[6] | ||
| Kamov Ka-27 | Soviet Union | utility | Ka-32 | 2[6] | |
| Trainer Aircraft | |||||
| Yakovlev Yak-130 | Russia | advanced trainer | 4 | 6 on order[6] | |
References
- ^ "Senior General meets Laotian Air Force Chief". 23 January 2020. Retrieved 28 February 2021.
- ^ . Archived from the original on 2012-01-20. Retrieved 2010-12-07.
{{cite web}}: CS1 maint: archived copy as title (link) - ^ "Lao People's Liberation Army Air Force". aeroflight.co.uk. from the original on 18 January 2017. Retrieved 15 July 2016.
- ^ armstrade.sipri.org/armstrade/page/trade_register.php
- ^ "Lao People's Liberation Army Air Force". aeroflight.co.uk. from the original on 18 January 2017. Retrieved 15 July 2016.
- ^ a b c d e f g "World Air Forces 2023". Flightglobal Insight. 2023. Retrieved 24 December 2022.
- . milaviapress.com. Archived from the original on 21 October 2017. Retrieved 15 July 2016.