Vietnam Maritime search aircraft sought including the Airbus Military C295

(DMILT, June 25)- Vietnam has a requirement for long-range maritime patrol aircraft, but is unwilling to buy the aircraft from the U.S. unless it lifts a ban on the sale of lethal weapons to Vietnam's ruling Communist Party government. The Vietnamese MoD is considering several aircraft types, including the Airbus Military C295 and the ex-USN Lockheed Martin P-3 Orion. Japanese P-X is also under consideration but Tokyo has still not altered its defense export ban.

Airbus C-295. Photo: Airbus Military

U.S. defense companies are already providing spare parts for some ex-U.S. military equipment, such as Bell UH-1H helicopters that are now in Vietnam's military fleet. When the U.S. withdrew from South Vietnam, it left behind some military equipment, including Bell UH-1H helicopters.

Defense Market Intelligence