[2] 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.

The communist take-over in 1975 resulted in the adoption of the present title.

[3] A military co-operation agreement with Russia in 1997 resulted in 12 Mil Mi-17 (second hand) helicopters entering service in mid-1999 to follow on from previous deliveries of Mi-8s.

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.