Vietnam receives 5 new generation T-6C training aircraft from the US

"Based on the defense cooperation agreements between Vietnam and the United States, such as the Memorandum of Understanding on promoting defense cooperation in 2011 and the Joint Vision Statement on defense cooperation in 2024, on November 20th, Vietnam received five new-generation T-6C training aircraft manufactured by the United States," Foreign Ministry spokesperson Pham Thu Hang stated at a press conference on the afternoon of November 21st, when asked by reporters to comment on the handover of five T-6C training aircraft from the United States to Vietnam.

"This cooperation is within the framework of the comprehensive strategic partnership for peace , cooperation, and sustainable development that is developing well between Vietnam and the United States, making a positive contribution to peace, stability, cooperation, and development in the region and the world," added Ms. Pham Thu Hang.

U.S. Pacific Air Force Commander, General Kevin B. Schneider (second from left), Vietnam Air Force Commander, Lieutenant General Nguyen Van Hien (center), and U.S. Ambassador Marc Knapper (second from right) pose for a photo next to a T6-C training aircraft in Phan Thiet, Vietnam. Photo: U.S. Embassy in Vietnam.

Earlier, US Ambassador to Vietnam Marc Knapper, and General Kevin B. Schneider, Commander of the US Pacific Air Force, along with Lieutenant General Nguyen Van Hien, Commander of the Vietnam Air Force, participated in the handover ceremony of the new generation T-6C training aircraft manufactured by the US in Phan Thiet on November 20.

The first delivery of T-6C training aircraft, comprising 5 out of 12, marks a significant milestone in the bilateral defense relationship between the two countries.

“This transfer is a significant step forward in the growing partnership between the United States and Vietnam,” Ambassador Marc Knapper said at the event. “The T-6C training aircraft will greatly support Vietnam’s pilot training program, reflecting our shared vision of a strong, prosperous, independent, and resilient Vietnam, contributing to regional stability and security.”

In 2021, the Vietnamese Ministry of Defence and the US Air Force committed to deploying T-6C training aircraft, thereby enhancing the pilot training program of the Vietnamese Air Force.

According to a statement from the U.S. Embassy in Vietnam, the transfer of these modern and technologically advanced aircraft demonstrates the growing cooperation between the two countries' defense ministries and reinforces the commitment to training and capacity building. This cooperation is a testament to the spirit of the Vietnam-U.S. strategic partnership, which is to enhance mutual development and advance shared goals.

Speaking at the event, the Commander of the Vietnam Air Force, Lieutenant General Nguyen Van Hien, stated: “This will be a useful defense equipment for Vietnamese military pilots to supplement and enhance their training capabilities and coordination, meeting the requirements of pilot training, combat readiness, and national defense. Vietnam is committed to working with the US to utilize the T-6C aircraft most effectively in the future, serving as a basis for training and mission execution by the Vietnam Air Force.”

Source: https://kinhtedothi.vn/viet-nam-tiep-nhan-5-may-bay-huan-luyen-t-6c-the-he-moi-tu-my.html