China and Laos have officially inaugurated a joint support and training facility at Ban Keun Airport in Vientiane Province, aimed at bolstering pilot training capabilities for the Lao People's Liberation Army Air Force (LPLAAF). The China-Laos Joint Support and Training Center, along with the China-Laos Friendship Aviation Academy, began operations on 29 September, with both nations collaborating to develop their respective air forces.
The new training center is designed to address potential shortfalls in Laos’ domestic pilot training system, supporting the development of a more structured and advanced aviation training infrastructure. Chinese and Laotian officials have not disclosed specific details about personnel, aircraft, or infrastructure allocations associated with the facility.
Background on Training Capabilities
According to Janes data, the LPLAAF currently operates five basic trainers from Shijiazhuang Aircraft Industry Corporation and four Yak-130UTS advanced jet trainers, delivered from late 2018. The Yak-130UTS is likely to be operated from a squadron based at Vientiane, which mainly uses Vientiane-Wattay International Airport and other regional airfields.
