US Delivers Aircraft To Vietnamese Military In A 1st Since The Vietnam War

In another sign of growing cooperation, the United States delivered its first military aircraft Beechcraft T-6C Texan II trainersto Vietnam. The US Embassy in Vietnam hailed the occasion as heralding better cooperation between the countries ahead. Through the Nine Dash Line (called the Cow's Tongue Line in Vietnam), China claims some waters and islands Vietnam considers its own. China has also repeatedly flown spy drones into Vietnam's airspace, further angering the country.

US delivers first military aircraft to Vietnam

The T-6C Texan II trainers are being delivered as part of an agreement signed in 2021. They represent the first five of 11 trainers purchased by Vietnam.

According to the manufacturer, the T-6C Texan II is a "next-generation military trainer designed for all levels of instruction." These are currently one of two mainstays of the US Air Force fleet - the other being the T-38 Talon (soon to be replaced by the even more advanced T-7 Red Hawk).

This delivery represents an important step forward in our growing partnership with Vietnam. - U.S. Ambassador Marc Knapper

These military trainers could be the first of many US-supplied military aircraft for Vietnam. Relations between the two countries were not normalized until 1995, and in 2023, they signed a comprehensive strategic partnership with the US, committing to assisting Vietnam in developing its defense capabilities. The United States lifted its ban on arms sales to Vietnam in 2019, and the US announced its first military equipment transfer to Vietnam in 2019 (in the form of drones).

In 2022, Vietnam publically stated it intends to diversify its defense supplies - apparently signaling a willingness to move away from Russian gear.

US emerging as weapons supplier to Vietnam

In July 2024, Reuters reported that the US and Vietnam are discussing the sale of Lockheed Martin C-130J Super Hercules tactical airlifters. The article suggests an agreement could be reached by the end of the year. Additionally, it has been reported that Vietnam is exploring purchasing US military helicopters and even F-16 fighter jets. The sale of F-16s is complicated because it would affect Vietnam's relations with China. Vietnam also has reservations about the US willingness to sell advanced missiles for the F-16s.

Vietnam's complicated relationships with China and Russia

During the Cold War, the United States fought the long Vietnam War against the communist North. After the US withdrew from the conflict, the North quickly conquered the South. However, the newly unified Vietnam found itself in another parallel Cold War between the Soviet Union and China (after the Sino-Soviet split).

After the Vietnam War, Vietnam became allied with the Soviet Union against China. In 1978, Vietnam invaded the Chinese-aligned communist Cambodia. The Chinese responded by invading Vietnam in 1979 (although their invasion quickly bogged down, and they soon withdrew). After the Cold War, Vietnam maintained close relationships with Russia and preferred to purchase its military equipment.

CAASTA banning countries buying Russian

However, the rise of China, the decline of Russia, increasing cooperation with the United States against China, and the passage of the US CAASTA Act forbidding countries from purchasing advanced Russian military equipment (like fighter jets) have made it difficult for Vietnam to continue to rely on Russia.

In 2019, Vietnam purchased a dozen Russian Yak-130 aircraft (it appears the US isn't worried about triggering CAASTA over these trainers). The Yaks have also already been delivered.