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SCMP News52 minutes agoDefense1 min readChina

China Launches Joint Air Force Support and Training Centre in Laos

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China has launched a rare air force support and training centre in Laos at Ban Keun Airport, comprising the China-Laos Joint Support and Training Centre and the China-Laos Friendship Aviation Academy, aimed at training Laotian Air Force pilots, with joint operation and maintenance by both sides, though details on personnel and equipment remain undisclosed.

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Why It Matters

China has been expanding its defense cooperation with Laos, including infrastructure projects and military exchanges, as part of broader regional engagement in Southeast Asia.

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China has launched a rare air force support and training centre in Laos, the Ministry of Defence announced on Tuesday.

The China-Laos Joint Support and Training Centre and the China-Laos Friendship Aviation Academy are now in operation at the Ban Keun Airport, aiming to help the Laotian Air Force train its pilots, the ministry said in a statement.

The two institutions will be jointly maintained and operated by both sides, the statement said, without providing details on what personnel or equipment would be based at the airport, or how many personnel or how much equipment.

Open Questions

What specific personnel and equipment will be based at Ban Keun Airport?
How many personnel will be involved in the joint operation?
What is the timeline for full operational capacity of the training centre?

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