Vietnam C-130 acquisition suggested by US government announcement

The US government has cleared a Lockheed Martin C-130 tactical transport sustainment package for Vietnam, suggesting the Southeast Asian nation could soon acquire the type. The sustainment package is valued at $100 million and covers equipment such as propellers, parts, training aids, contractor engineering, and other services and equipment, according to the US Department of State. “The proposed sale will improve Vietnam’s capability to meet current and future threats by ensuring the operational readiness of its C-130 aircraft fleet,” says the US Department of State. “The aircraft provides strategic airlift capabilities that directly support US and coalition operations around the world. Vietnam will have no difficulty absorbing these articles and services into its armed forces.” The announcement does not specify a variant and RTX is named as the prime contractor. This could suggest that Vietnam may obtain surplus C-130Hs: RTX unit Collins Aerospace has upgrade capabilities for legacy C-130s including for avionics, propellers, and wheels and brakes. Media reports have previously suggested that Vietnam might obtain the C-130J. At a 2024 defence event in Hanoi, companies such as Airbus Defence & Space, Embraer, and Lockheed promoted tactical transports. News agency Reuters also reported in 2025 that Hanoi saw obtaining US aircraft as a way to reduce Vietnam’s trade deficit with the USA. Cirium, an aviation analytics company, indicates that Vietnam has seven retired C-130As in its inventory. These aircraft served with the US Air Force from 1957 to 1972, when they were transferred to the former South Vietnamese regime. It is believed that South Vietnam once operated over 30 C-130s. After South Vietnam fell to communist forces in 1975, South Vietnamese aircraft were transferred to the Vietnamese Peoples Air Force (VPAF). While American-produced aircraft continued to serve Vietnam for several years, a lack of spare parts ultimately crippled them. Of Vietnam’s seven retired C-130As, three left service in the 1980s and three in 1990, leaving one example to soldier on until 1999. Although traditionally a user of Russian military aircraft, the VPAF has started moving its tactical transport fleet in a decidedly western direction, operating three Airbus Defence & Space C295Ms and three Indonesian-built NC212is. Vietnam also operates the US-produced Beechcraft T-6C in the training role. By May Lee – Flightglobal.com – June 3, 2026

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