Vietnam has taken delivery of five Beechcraft T-6C basic trainer aircraft, as the nation’s air force looks to bolster its training capabilities.
The lead aircraft are the first of 12 examples that the Vietnam air force is to receive, according to the US Indo-Pacific Command.
“Today’s arrival of the first T-6 aircraft to the Vietnam Air Defence Air Force represents the promise we made to assist in your air force modernisation efforts,” says US Air Force General Kevin Schneider, commander of the Pacific Air Forces.
“This moment reflects our shared commitment to peace and the rule of law in the region.”
The aircraft will be based to Phan Thiet air base, which is located on the coast east of Ho Chi Minh City.
“With these aircraft and your well-trained forces, Vietnam, along with the United States and our international partners, will continue to deliver peace and stability,” adds Schneider.
“This ensures Vietnam is better prepared to deter threats facing your nation and the region.”
Textron Aviation Defense says it is on schedule to complete deliveries of the remaining aircraft by mid-2025, as per its August 2022 Foreign Military Sales contract. It notes that Vietnam has become the 14th nation to introduce the T-6 Texan II.
FlightGlobal’s World Air Force’s directory shows that Vietnam has 43 Aero Vodochody L-39C and NG-model advanced jet trainers with an additional three on order. It also has five Sukhoi Su-27s assigned to the training role.
The nation’s air combat fleet comprises 32 Su-22s and 41 Su-27/30s, while it has just six tactical transports: three Airbus Defence & Space C295s and three NC212is.
Given an increasingly aggressive China – a traditional rival of Vietnam – Hanoi is understood to have an interest in updating its combat and transport fleets.
Story updated on 26 November with future delivery information from Textron Aviation Defense.
