US Delivers Military Training Aircraft To Vietnam

In a historic move, the United States has delivered military training planes to Vietnam.

At a Glance

U.S. and Vietnam are expanding defense cooperation and shared security interests.
Five Beechcraft T-6C Texan II aircraft arrived at an air base in Phan Thiet, Vietnam.
This delivery strengthens defense relations between Hanoi and Washington.
Amid tensions in the South China Sea, Vietnam is increasingly interested in American-made defense systems.

Strengthening Ties with Vietnam

On September 9, 2023, President Joe Biden visited Hanoi to elevate U.S.-Vietnam relations to a comprehensive strategic partnership. Secretary of Defense Lloyd J. Austin III further reaffirmed the U.S. commitment to strengthening ties with Vietnam a year later. This commitment focuses on overcoming the legacies of the Vietnam War, such as accounting for those missing in action, cleaning up Agent Orange, and clearing unexploded ordnance—a mission that has removed over 700,000 explosives with local education on mine dangers.

Vietnam, showcasing a shift in defense procurement, has purchased twelve Beechcraft T-6 Texan II trainer aircraft from Textron. Five of these next-generation military trainer planes have recently been delivered to an air base in Phan Thiet. This marks Vietnam’s first direct purchase of non-drone aircraft from the U.S. since the arms sales ban was lifted in 2016, amid mounting tensions in the South China Sea.

Vietnam’s Shift in Defense Strategy

Vietnam’s strategic pivot from Russian defense imports, which have significantly decreased due to geopolitical tensions, highlights its growing interest in American-made defense systems. The country is looking to modernize and strengthen its maritime awareness and defense capabilities as disruptions continue in the region. The U.S. Navy’s 7th Fleet flagship USS Blue Ridge and the U.S. Coast Guard Cutter Waesche visits, alongside training Vietnamese pilots in the U.S., has established a solid defense partnership.

Such partnerships, supported by U.S. defense firms like Boeing, Lockheed Martin, and Raytheon engaging for potential sales, aim at enhancing Vietnam’s self-reliant defense capabilities. The U.S. Embassy in Vietnam emphasized this collaboration, stating it represents “a promise we made to assist in your air force modernization efforts.”

U.S. sends trainer aircraft to Vietnam in biggest arms deal since war https://t.co/UVXRiLEgVr

— Nikkei Asia (@NikkeiAsia) November 21, 2024

Future of U.S.-Vietnam Relations

This aircraft delivery showcases a cornerstone in the development of U.S.-Vietnam relations, symbolizing a united front in the face of rising threats. Vietnam is now hosting various multilateral exercises, including the Pacific Partnership mission and a Pacific Angel humanitarian response mission, further solidifying its strategic importance amidst growing discourse on sovereignty and peaceful resolution of disputes.

Efforts to globalize and diversify Vietnam’s defense procurement align with their economic growth targets and America’s strategic interests in the Indo-Pacific region. With a continued economic recovery, future opportunities for U.S. defense firms seem promising, which underscores the mutual benefits of this partnership for both nations.