A historic milestone in U.S.-Vietnam relations occurred on November 25 when five Beechcraft T-6 Texan II turboprops arrived at Phan Thiet Air Base.
These are the first U.S. aircraft to be delivered to the Vietnam Air Defense Air Force (ADAF) since the war ended in the 1970s.
The T-6Cs will provide training for air force pilots under a contract signed in August 2022 with Textron Aviation through the Foreign Military Sales (FMS) program.
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Initially, three aircraft were planned, but the deal was expanded to 12 turboprops, with deliveries expected to be completed by mid-2025.
“It’s an honor to support the United States and its Comprehensive Strategic Partnership with Vietnam as together they focus on a prosperous, open, resilient, and peaceful Indo-Pacific Region,” said Travis Tyler, President and CEO, Textron Aviation Defense LLC. “We also welcome the Vietnam Air Defense Air Force as the 14th nation to place its confidence in the T-6 Texan II and we celebrate the arrival of the T-6C at Phan Thiet Airbase.”
The deal also includes ground support equipment, two spare engines, external tanks, training and services. The value of the deal was not disclosed.
Russian fleet
Supported by the former Soviet Union for decades, the Vietnamese Air Force operates aircraft such as the Sukhoi Su-27 and Su-22 fighters as well as Ka-32 and Mi-8 helicopters.
There are also 12 Yak-130 and 43 L-39NG advanced trainer jets.
The only aircraft of Western origin are three Airbus C295s and three NC212i, an Indonesian version of the CASA C212.
Vietnam has sought to open up and diversify its economy in recent years and has established friendlier relations with the West, despite remaining a socialist country.
