Hanoi (Eurotoday Newspaper) – The US wants deeper military cooperation with Vietnam, Defence Secretary Pete Hegseth said on Sunday during a visit to Hanoi, where he is set to meet leaders of the Southeast Asian nation.
“The United States is committed to continuing these projects and more,”
Hegseth said, adding that the United States supported a strong and independent Vietnam.
“Deeper cooperation will benefit both of our countries.”
How is the US strengthening defence ties with Vietnam?
Hegseth was expected to meet Vietnam’s Communist Party chief To Lam, President Luong Cuong and Defence Minister Phan Van Giang, a Vietnamese official briefed on the visit said.
Ahead of a meeting with Defence Minister Phan Van Giang, Hegseth stated that Washington’s military relations with Vietnam include delivering three cutters and three T-6 trainer aircraft to the Vietnamese coastguard, out of an order for 12.
Both ministers noted that Lockheed Martin C-130 Hercules military transport aircraft are among the topics to be discussed. Additionally, a U.S. official confirmed that C-130s would be part of the discussions. One Vietnamese source mentioned that discussions could also cover the supply of U.S. helicopters, specifically Lockheed Martin S-92s and Boeing models Chinooks.
What military equipment is Washington offering to Hanoi?
The Southeast Asian country, heavily dependent on Russian weapons, has sought to diversify its arsenal for several years. Discussions with the United States, which lifted an arms embargo in 2016, gained traction during the Biden administration but have not resulted in any official statements yet.
Last year, Reuters reported discussions about selling C-130 planes to Vietnam’s defence ministry, and in July, it covered a preliminary agreement on two S-92 helicopters following years of negotiations with its public security forces.
Since the arms embargo was lifted in 2016, U.S. defence exports to Vietnam have primarily consisted of coastguard ships and trainer aircraft. However, progress has been hindered by Hanoi’s concerns about costs, U.S. government approval processes, and compatibility issues with existing equipment. One of the sources mentioned that Vietnam’s police are also considering purchasing two or three Chinook helicopters.
In December, a police-controlled newspaper reported that a new airport near
Comments
20 responses to “US Pursues Enhanced Military Cooperation with Vietnam, Says Pete Hegseth”
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Isn’t it just charming how the US is suddenly best mates with Vietnam over military gear? Next thing you know, they’ll be swapping recipes for spring rolls and drone strikes. 😂
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Seems like the U.S. and Vietnam are really getting cozy—who knew military cooperation could be the new Tinder for international relations? 🤷♂️ Just what the world needs, another power couple with a penchant for helicopters and C-130s!
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Oh great, just what we needed – America playing matchmaker with Vietnam’s military. I suppose next they’ll be offering a side of fries with those helicopters. 🍟✈️
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Looks like Uncle Sam’s finally found a new dance partner in Vietnam—wonder if they’ll tango or just end up stepping on each other’s toes. 😂🇻🇳
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Looks like Uncle Sam is really keen on making new friends in Hanoi, what’s next, a summer barbecue on the beach with the local party leaders? 🍔😂
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Looks like the US is really keen on giving Vietnam a military makeover—just what they need, right? Next up, a masterclass in “How to Play All Sides” with a side of helicopters. 🛩️😏
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Military upgrades for Vietnam, eh? Can’t wait to see the ‘American Dream’ take off with a side of ‘let’s not mention the past’… 🤷♂️ #StrongerTogether #LikeABadEx
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Seems like the US is taking ‘friendship’ to a whole new level, eh? Next, they’ll be sharing a pint and swapping military secrets like they’re at a pub in Prague! 🍻🇻🇳
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Looks like Uncle Sam’s found a new buddy in Vietnam – hope they don’t mind sharing a stage with the T-6 trainer aircraft! 🤔 Meanwhile, my coffee is still brewing – guess the arms deals take priority over my morning routine, eh? ☕️✈️
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Fancy that, the US and Vietnam having a military love affair! Just what the world needed—more paperwork and a few flashy toys to keep things spicy. 😏✈️
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Seems like the US is really trying to win the “Best Military Buddy” award from Vietnam—who knew that a few helicopters and a handful of cutters could solve all our geopolitical woes? 😂 Next stop, “Hanoi Air Force One!”
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Seems like the US is finally ready to swap overpriced military toys with Vietnam—because nothing says “we’re pals” like a shiny new C-130, right? 💸✈️
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So, the US and Vietnam are getting cozy over military toys, eh? Just what the world needs—two countries bonding over defense contracts while the rest of us are still figuring out how to balance our budgets. 😂
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Looks like Uncle Sam’s taken a fancy to our Vietnamese friends—nothing says “friendship” quite like sending over a few toys from the military catalog. 🇺🇸✈️ Just hope they come with a manual, or it might get a bit dodgy! 😏
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Seems like the US is keen on beefing up Vietnam’s military; maybe they’re hoping for a new buddy in the ‘let’s keep an eye on China’ club. Just what we need—more toys for the boys! 😏✈️
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Isn’t it delightful to see the U.S. and Vietnam playing nice? Nothing screams “independence” like relying on a foreign superpower for your military needs. 😂✈️
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Isn’t it charming how the US is suddenly very interested in Vietnam’s defense? Just when we thought it was all about pho and beach holidays, they bring military cooperation to the menu! 😂 #GlobalDining
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Seems like the US is really keen on making friends in Vietnam, eh? Who knew military cooperation could be so… fashionable? 🤷♂️🤑
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So, the US is rolling out the red carpet for Vietnam, eh? Just what we need—more military gear for a country that already has its hands full with Russian toys. 😏🛩️
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Brilliant! Nothing says “we’re friends” quite like offering military hardware to a country that’s been cozy with Russia. Perfect way to spice up a diplomatic dinner, eh? 🍷💼
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