The Vietnam Air Defence Air Force (ADAF) pilot training program at Phan Thiet Airbase received five Beechcraft T-6C Texan II Integrated Training System (ITS) aircraft. This significant delivery of the first of 12 T-6C Texan II ITS aircraft underscores the timely execution of the initial Foreign Military Sales (FMS) program created between the US Air Force (USAF) and the ADAF. The contract, signed in August 2022, expects the complete fleet of 12 T-6C aircraft to be delivered by mid-2025.
“It’s an honour to support the United States and its Comprehensive Strategic Partnership with Vietnam as together they focus on a prosperous, open, resilient, and peaceful Indo-Pacific Region,” said Travis Tyler, President and CEO, of Textron Aviation Defense LLC. “We also welcome the Vietnam Air Defense Air Force as the 14th nation to place its confidence in the T-6 Texan II and we celebrate the arrival of the T-6C at Phan Thiet Airbase.”
“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,” said U.S. Air Force Gen. Kevin Schneider, Pacific Air Forces commander “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.”
The first USAF FMS contract includes three T-6C ITS aircraft, a site survey, ground support equipment, two spare engines, spare parts, personal life support equipment, external fuel tanks and pylons, aircraft ferries, program support, and country-specific technical orders. Later contract awards expanded the ADAF's fleet of T-6C aircraft to twelve.
The Beechcraft T-6 Texan II stands as the leading military flight trainer globally. With over 90 years of expertise and more than 250,000 aircraft delivered worldwide, the T-6 Texan II offers low acquisition, operating, and maintenance costs, allowing air forces worldwide to accelerate pilot training.
Its installed base is over four times larger than its nearest competitor, making the Beechcraft T-6 Texan II the top Integrated Training System (ITS) for over two decades. It benefits from an active production line with a top-tier Manufacturing Readiness Level (MRL) of 10, a reliable supply chain, and cost-effectiveness due to 85% parts commonality with the Beechcraft AT-6E Wolverine. So far, the global fleet of over 1,000 T-6 Texan II aircraft has exceeded 5 million flight hours across 14 countries and two NATO flight schools.
The T-6 is an essential asset that enhances pilot training worldwide, supporting the NATO Flight Training program in Canada, the Euro-NATO Joint Jet Pilot Training Program (ENJJPT) at Sheppard AFB, Texas, and the U.S. Air Force Aviation Leadership Program. It is also utilized by the U.S. Air Force, Navy, Marine Corps, Army, and Coast Guard, as well as the Hellenic Air Force, Argentine Air Force, Israeli Air Force, Royal Air Force, Iraqi Air Force, Royal Canadian Air Force, Mexican Navy, Mexican Air Force, Royal Moroccan Air Force, Colombian Air Force, Royal New Zealand Air Force, Royal Thai Air Force, Tunisian Air Force, and Vietnam Air Defense Air Force.
The United States remains committed to supporting Vietnam’s defence resilience in alignment with Vietnam’s conditions and needs. This collaboration strengthens a defence relationship rooted in shared security interests, regional stability, and respect for international laws.
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