Vicente Landaeta Gil Air Base

Lieutenant Vicente Landaeta Gil Air Base (BALANDA) is a military installation of the Bolivarian Military Aviation of Venezuela. Located in Barquisimeto within the state of Lara, the base utilizes the shared infrastructure of Jacinto Lara International Airport. The facility was established on February 14, 1964, following Resolution No. A-184 issued in December 1963. It is named in honor of a Venezuelan military pilot.

The base operates under the Air Combat Command and serves as the Headquarters of Air Zone II. It is the station for Air Fighter Group No. 12, which has been headquartered at the facility since 1971. The mission of this group involves conducting operations against opposing air forces and providing air support. The base also hosts Combat School Squadron No. 35, which provides instruction for fighter pilots. Control of Auxiliary Group No. 3 is also assigned to this installation.

Infrastructure at the base includes administrative offices and dedicated military housing. The facility provides maintenance and operational support for various weapon systems. Historically, the base hosted Air Bombardment Group No. 13 operating B-25 Mitchell aircraft, as well as units flying Canberra and F-86K/F aircraft. Current and recent flight operations include squadrons of VF-5 aircraft, T-2D trainers, and Beechcraft A65-B80 Queen Air aircraft. Since 2010, the base has operated Hongdu K-8W Karakorum aircraft.