On November 20, the Vietnam People’s Air Force (VPAF) received the first batch of new Beechcraft T-6C Texan II training aircraft from the United States. This milestone marked a significant step toward modernizing Vietnam’s pilot training capabilities and highlighted the strengthening of bilateral relations between the two countries.
The aircraft handover ceremony was attended by the commander of the U.S. Pacific Air Forces, General Kevin Schneider. A total of five trainers were delivered to the Vietnam Air Force as part of an agreement between Vietnam’s Ministry of National Defense and the United States Air Force (USAF) signed in June 2021.
Under the agreement, the USAF committed not only to delivering 12 T-6C Texan II trainers to Hanoi but also to supporting the implementation of these capabilities with a comprehensive program including pilot training, engineering support, logistics, and spare parts. The remaining seven T-6C Texan II aircraft are expected to be delivered by 2025.
The T-6C Texan II is a state-of-the-art military trainer designed to prepare pilots for a wide range of missions. Vietnam’s new VPAF aircraft will play a vital role in its pilot training program at Phan Thiet Air Base. “With these aircraft and their well-trained forces, Vietnam, along with the United States and our international partners, will continue to provide peace and stability,” said General Schneider. “This ensures that Vietnam is better prepared to deter threats facing its nation and the region.”
VPAF Commander, Lieutenant General Nguyen Van Hien, emphasized that the T-6Cs will enhance training capabilities and interoperability for the Air Force while “meeting the requirements for military pilot training, mission readiness, and homeland defense.”
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