According to reports, Vietnam intends to purchase F-16 fighter jets from the US. If this move becomes official, it could be one of the biggest changes in Vietnam’s military history. For many years, Vietnam relied mostly on Russia for its weapons and aircraft. Now, the country may be stepping away from that path.
A Big Shift in Defense Choices
According to reports from a U.S.-based defense news outlet, Vietnam has agreed to buy at least 24 F-16s from American company Lockheed Martin. These jets are modern and powerful, used by many countries around the world. Should this deal be approved, it would be the biggest defense agreement ever signed between the United States and Vietnam.
For a long time, around 80% of Vietnam’s military gear came from Russia. This relationship lasted for about 70 years. But things started to change after 2022, when Vietnam began saying it wanted to reduce its dependence on Russian weapons. The reason? Sanctions and limits placed on Russia have made it harder for countries like Vietnam to get spare parts and support for Russian-made military equipment.
At the same time, the U.S. and Vietnam have been getting closer. Talks about selling American weapons, including the F-16 fighter jet, started during a visit by a U.S. president to Hanoi in 2023. That visit was seen as a sign of deepening ties between the two countries. The possible F-16 deal marks one of the most significant shifts in Vietnam’s defense strategy in decades.
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Questions Around the Fighter Jet Deal
Even though the reports say the deal is happening, there are still many unanswered questions. One important question is: will the jets be new or used? New F-16s can cost up to $70 million each, while older versions might be cheaper. Still, maintaining and training pilots for any kind of fighter jet is very expensive.
Another concern is whether these American jets can fit in with the rest of Vietnam’s military, which is still built mostly around Russian systems. Mixing equipment from two different sources—Russia and the U.S.—can cause problems with maintenance and communication between systems.
Some experts have also raised concerns about how this move might affect Vietnam’s relationship with China. Vietnam and China have had their differences, especially in the South China Sea. But in recent years, they’ve been trying to improve ties. China’s leader recently visited Vietnam, and the two countries signed many agreements about trade and business.
Buying American fighter jets—especially ones that could be used in combat—might be seen by China as a hostile move. That could create tension between the two neighbors.
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There’s also talk that Vietnam might not even buy 24 aircraft. That number might be too high given the cost and the country’s history of being careful with its military purchases. A smaller number—like six to eight—could be more realistic.
This agreement may be more political than defensive, according to some. There are also ongoing trade talks between Vietnam and the United States. The U.S. has put high tariffs on goods from China and is now looking closely at Vietnamese products too. These tariffs could hurt Vietnam’s economy. Some think the offer to buy U.S. weapons might be a way to improve Vietnam’s position in those talks.
Beyond Jets: Broader Military Relations
The F-16 isn’t the only American aircraft that Vietnam might buy. Reports say Vietnam is also interested in the C-130 transport plane.The C-130 is not a fighter jet like the F-16. It is employed to transport troops, gear, and supplies. Since it’s not meant for combat, it’s considered a less sensitive purchase and might not raise as many concerns from China or others.
Vietnam’s military is also not only focused on the U.S. and Russia. It has bought weapons and equipment from other countries like India and Israel. For example, Israeli-made missiles have been placed on islands that Vietnam controls in the South China Sea. So while the U.S. and Russia are big players, Vietnam has kept its options open.
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Even with international sanctions affecting Russia, Vietnam has not faced major problems with its Russian equipment. That’s because the contracts Vietnam signed with Russia included support and spare parts. So, at least for now, those systems are still working.
Still, the reported F-16 deal stands out because of its size and symbolism. If it happens, it would mark a clear sign that Vietnam is willing to explore new partnerships—even if that means upsetting old ones. Whether the deal is about real military needs or a smart move in trade talks, it’s clear that Vietnam is taking steps that could reshape its defense ties in a big way.
