Bolivian Air Force

The Fuerza Aérea Boliviana (FAB) is structured around six Air Brigades, each with subordinate air groups dispersed across strategic locations including La Paz, Cochabamba, and Santa Cruz de la Sierra. This organizational structure provides geographic coverage for its primary missions.

The FAB’s strategic doctrine centers on internal security, border and resource surveillance, and providing logistical support for national development and state-run entities. Its conventional warfare capability is limited, and it is not structured for significant power projection beyond its borders. Operational capabilities are primarily focused on air transport, logistical support for ground forces, reconnaissance, and limited air-to-ground attack. The air force lacks a credible air defense component, a weakness highlighted by the absence of modern interceptor aircraft.

Recent modernization has been centered on improving airspace control and surveillance. In 2023, the FAB fully implemented the Thales Integrated Air Defense and Air Traffic Control System (Sidacta), a significant step in monitoring national airspace. However, the force’s ability to act on this information remains a critical gap, as its combat fleet is limited to a small number of Hongdu K-8W Karakorum light attack/trainer jets and armed Pilatus PC-7 trainers. Following the retirement of its T-33 fleet in 2017, the FAB has been without a dedicated interceptor platform.

Modernization plans aim to address these deficiencies. The force has stated its intent to acquire new transport aircraft, trainers, and versatile helicopters to support both military and civil emergency functions. Additionally, there is an ongoing effort to select a suitable interceptor model to complement the Sidacta system, with decisions anticipated. To address evolving threats, the armed forces have also established a Cyberdefense department and are integrating cybersecurity into military training. The acquisition of drones for all branches of the armed forces is also planned to enhance surveillance and reconnaissance capabilities.