PACAF commander makes historic delivery of T-6C Texan IIs to Vietnam

  • Published
  • By Staff Sgt. Elizabeth Taranto
  • Headquarters Pacific Air Forces Public Affairs
PHAN THIET AIR BASE, Vietnam (AFNS) --  

U.S. Air Force Gen. Kevin Schneider, Pacific Air Forces commander, attended a ceremony in Phan Thiet, Nov. 20, marking the historic delivery of the first three T-6C Texan IIs to the Vietnam Air Defence air force.

Pacific Air Forces Commander U.S. Air Force Gen. Kevin Schneider, right, and a T6-C Texas II pilot disembark a T6-C training aircraft in Phan Thiet, Vietnam, Nov. 20, 2024. Schneider landed the first of five T6-C aircraft. Seven more T6-Cs will be delivered to the Vietnamese Air Defence air force by 2025. (Courtesy photo)
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The delivery signifies a milestone for the U.S. Air Force and the Vietnam ADAF, with the full complement of 12 T-6Cs scheduled for delivery by 2025.

“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,” Schneider said. “This moment reflects our shared commitment to peace and the rule of law in the region.”

A U.S. Air Force T-6C Texan II flies over the Saharah desert on its way to Vietnam. The delivery of the initial T-6 C signifies a milestone for the U.S. Air Force and the Vietnam Air Defence air force, with the full complement of 12 T-6Cs scheduled for delivery by 2025. (Courtesy photo)
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The T-6C is a next-generation military trainer designed to prepare pilots for a wide range of missions. The Vietnam ADAF will incorporate the T-6Cs into its pilot training program at Phan Thiet Air Base, advancing its airpower capabilities.

“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,” Schneider said. “This ensures Vietnam is better prepared to deter threats facing your nation and the region.”
Photo of U.S. and Vietnam military personnel during a T-6C Texan II aircraft delivery

U.S. Ambassador to Vietnam Marc Knapper, U.S. PACAF Commander Kevin Schneider, Lieutenant General Nguyen Van Hien, Commander of the Vietnam Air Defence Air Force and key delegates stand together on Nov. 20, 2024. This historic ceremony marks the first acquisition of five TC-6 training aircraft being delivered by the U.S. Air Force. (U.S. Air Force photo by Staff Sergeant Elizabeth Taranto)
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The United States remains committed to supporting Vietnam’s defense resilience in alignment with Vietnam’s conditions and needs. This collaboration strengthens a defense relationship rooted in shared security interests, regional stability, and respect for international laws.