Vietnam takes Texans on charge
November 21, 2024
The first five Beechcraft T-6C Texan II training aircraft arrived at Phan Thiet, (a newly constructed joint military/civil airport close to the former Vietnam War Firebase Betty) on 20 November 2024, after a long ferry flight which included a stop at Glasgow Airport on 5 November.
US PACAF Commander General Kevin Schneider landed the first of five T-6C aircraft. He subsequently spoke at the formal delivery ceremony at Phan Thiet, which was attended by Lieutenant General Nguyen Van Hien, Commander of the Vietnam Air Defence Air Force, and the US Ambassador to Vietnam, Marc Knapper.
“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 modernization efforts. This moment reflects our shared commitment to peace and the rule of law in the region. 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. This ensures Vietnam is better prepared to deter threats facing your nation and the region.”
These five aircraft form the lead element of 12 T-6C Training aircraft being delivered to the Vietnamese Air Defence Air Force by the US Air Force.
The former adversaries in what Vietnam calls the ‘Liberation War’ now enjoy good relations, though the T-6C is the first US aircraft type to be delivered to the Vietnamese Air Defence Air Force. The United States remains committed to supporting Vietnam’s defence resilience, and this collaboration was said to strengthen a defence relationship “rooted in shared security interests, regional stability, and respect for international laws.”
The aircraft will re-equip the 920th Air Training Regiment, which currently flies the Yak-52 from Phan Thiet, as part of the Air Force Officer’s College. Pilots graduating from basic training progress to advanced training on the L-39Cs and new L-39NGs of the 910th Air Training Regiment at Dong Tac. Finally, pilots progress to the 940th Air Training Regiment at Phu Cat for lead-in fighter training on the Yak-130.
The remaining seven T-6Cs will be delivered to the Vietnamese Air Defence Air Force by 2025, bringing the complement to 12 aircraft.
Interestingly, the original T-6 – the North American T-6 Harvard/Texan, after which today’s T-6 is named, did briefly serve with the old South Vietnamese Republic of Vietnam Air Force, equipping the 912th Training Squadron at Nha Trang!
