United States delivers T-6C trainer aircraft for Vietnam

At the handover of the aircraft (Photo: U.S. Embassy in Vietnam)

On November 20, U.S. Ambassador Marc Knapper and U.S. Pacific Air Forces Commander General Kevin B. Schneider joined Air Defense Air Force (ADAF) Commander Lieutenant General Nguyen Van Hien for the handover of the T-6C Trainer Aircraft. The delivery of the first T-6C Trainer Aircraft – five of 12 – is a significant milestone in the bilateral defense relationship. 

“This delivery represents an important step forward in our growing partnership with Vietnam,” said U.S. Ambassador Marc Knapper. “The T-6C Trainer Aircraft will provide valuable support to Vietnam’s pilot training program, reflecting our shared vision for a strong, prosperous, independent and resilient Vietnam that contributes to regional stability and security.  

In 2021, the Ministry of National Defense and the U.S. Air Forces committed to the T-6C Trainer Aircraft to operationalize and improve the ADAF’s pilot training program.  

The delivery of these innovative and technologically advanced aircraft underscores the increasing cooperation between the United States Department of Defense and Vietnam’s Ministry of National Defense and reinforces the commitment to joint training and capacity building. This collaboration exemplifies the spirit of the U.S.-Vietnam Comprehensive Strategic Partnership, which fosters mutual growth and shared objectives.

Speaking at the event, ADAF Commander Lieutenant General Nguyen Van Hien said "This aircraft is useful materiel which supports Vietnamese military pilots in complementing, enhancing the capability of training, interoperability, meeting the requirements of training military pilots, mission readiness and homeland protection. In the coming time, Vietnam commits to collaborate with the U.S. in exploiting and utilizing T-6C aircraft in the most effective manner, to serve as a basis for the training and assigning tasks in Vietnam Air Defense Air Force."