Narrative History:

The Latvian Air Force was first formed in 1919, but details of its early history are sketchy. The aircraft in service when the USSR invaded in June 1940 were withdrawn from use and stored. During the period of German occupation 1941-44, several of these stored aircraft found their way to Germany, where at least some of them where flown. A number of Latvian pilots flew alongside the Luftwaffe on operations against the Red Army during this time.

When Latvia regained its independence in 1991, plans were put in place to establish a military aviation force. The current Latvian Air Force (Latvijas Gaisaspeki) was first established on 24 February at Riga-Spilve airport, but in August 1994 it moved into an ex-Soviet fighter base at Lielvarde, east of Riga. The aircraft and helicopters acquired were ex-Aeroflot examples transferred from Latvian Airlines, apart from the Let L-410 which was donated by Germany. The air force is mainly tasked with patrol, liaison and SAR duties. In 2000 the Air Force absorbed the aviation element of the National Guard.