Lao People's Liberation Army Air Force

The Laos Air Force, officially known as the Lao People's Liberation Army Air Force, is the air component of the Lao People's Army, the country's military force. Established on January 14, 1976, it maintains a primary role of providing air support for ground forces and ensuring national security. The air force operates a diverse fleet of aircraft, including helicopters and fixed-wing planes, to carry out various missions such as reconnaissance, transport, and aerial fire support. The fleet encompasses models such as the Antonov An-74, Harbin Y-12, Mil Mi-17, and Mil Mi-24, among others. The air force has undergone limited modernization and still relies on a combination of locally produced equipment and imports. Additionally, it has training agreements with countries such as Vietnam and Belarus to enhance its operational capabilities. Although smaller in size compared to its neighboring air forces and lacking advanced equipment, the Laos Air Force plays a crucial role in safeguarding Laos' territorial integrity and defense interests.

Key facts

Official Name	Lao People's Liberation Army Air Force
Country	🇱🇦 Laos
World rank	#102
Active aircrafts	34 (as of 2024)
Aircrafts on order	6

Number of active aircrafts by type

Aircraft type	Active
Helicopters	27
Training	4
Transport	3

Aircrafts most used by Laotian air forces

Aircraft	Active	Type
Mi-17 Hip-H	17	Soviet transport helicopter, prominently deployed during Afghan War, globally used for cargo, troop transport, and rescue missions.
UH-1 Iroquois "Huey"	4	American utility helicopter, essential in the Vietnam War, extensively employed for medevac, transport, and combat operations.
Yak-130 Mitten	4	Russian advanced trainer and combat aircraft, widely deployed in various countries and known for its aerobatic capabilities.
Z-9 Haitun	4	Chinese utility helicopter, widely deployed for anti-submarine and SAR missions since the late 20th century.
An-26 Curl	3	Soviet twin-engined transport aircraft, widely utilized in both civilian and military roles since the 1960s.
Ka-27 Helix	2	Soviet maritime helicopter, primarily deployed for anti-submarine warfare and rescue operations during the Cold War era.

Full inventory in 2024