Royal Lao Air Force

• Origins and Formation: The Royal Lao Air Force (RLAF) was established in 1955 as the air arm of the Royal Lao Armed Forces, shortly after Laos achieved independence from France. • Early Aircraft: The RLAF initially operated French-built aircraft such as the Morane-Saulnier MS.500 Criquet and Dassault MD 315 Flamant before transitioning to American planes. • Secret War Role: The RLAF played a crucial part in the "Secret War" (1964–1973), supporting US Central Intelligence Agency (CIA) operations against the communist Pathet Lao and North Vietnamese forces in Laos. • Pilot Training: Many RLAF pilots received training in Thailand and the Philippines, and some were even sent to the United States for advanced instruction. • Aircraft Variety: At its peak, the RLAF fleet included T-28 Trojans, C-47 Skytrains, H-34 helicopters, and AC-47 gunships, among others, supplied mainly by the United States. • Hmong Pilots: Hmong pilots, recruited from the ethnic minority in Laos, formed a significant portion of the RLAF’s manpower, famously flying dangerous missions in support of ground operations. • Notable Commander: Brigadier General Thao Ma, a celebrated fighter pilot and commander, led several coups and daring missions before his assassination in 1973. • Covert Operations: The RLAF conducted numerous clandestine operations, including nighttime air drops and supply missions to aid anti-communist forces in remote regions. • Bombing Missions: The RLAF played a key role in the extensive bombing campaign in Laos, which made the country one of the most heavily bombed per capita in history. • Disbandment: The RLAF ceased to exist after the communist Pathet Lao took power in 1975, with many of its pilots and personnel fleeing the country or facing persecution.