Lao People's Liberation Army Air Force

The Lao People's Liberation Army Air Force (LPLAAF) is a small, modestly equipped air arm primarily structured for internal security and border patrol rather than conventional air-to-air or strategic strike missions. Its strategic doctrine is intrinsically defensive, reflecting its constitutional role as the armed wing of the Lao People's Revolutionary Party, focused on national sovereignty and suppressing internal dissent. The LPLAAF is organized along a Soviet-style regimental structure, with assets distributed across four military regions, although main operational hubs are at Vientiane and Phonsavan air bases.

Operationally, the LPLAAF's capabilities are limited, a situation underscored by the grounding of its aging MiG-21 interceptor fleet. Its combat potential now rests on a small number of Yakovlev Yak-130 light attack and advanced trainer aircraft. The bulk of the force consists of a transport and helicopter fleet tasked with providing mobility for the Lao People's Army and conducting domestic patrols. The helicopter inventory includes Mi-17 and Z-9 utility types, crucial assets for a country with rugged terrain and limited road infrastructure. Transport duties are carried out by aircraft such as the An-26 and MA600.

Modernization is slow and dependent on foreign assistance, primarily from Russia, China, and Vietnam. The most notable recent acquisition is the Yak-130, which provides a renewed, albeit limited, jet combat capability for ground-attack and armed reconnaissance missions. The procurement of these aircraft, along with ongoing maintenance support and training agreements with supplier nations like Russia and Belarus, represents the core of the LPLAAF's modernization strategy. However, the air force as a whole continues to operate legacy Soviet-era and Chinese platforms, with available resources prioritized for keeping the transport and helicopter assets operational over expanding its offensive airpower.