Vietnam’s F-16s plan: a break from Russia or power play in US tariff talks?

Vietnam’s reported move to buy US F-16 jets could end 70-year defence ties with Russia and risk China’s wrath, analysts say

A US F-16 fighter jet lands at an air base in Gwangju, South Korea. The F-16 is a manoeuvrable fighter jet designed for air-to-air and air-to-surface combat. Photo: Yonhap/EPA-EFE
Vietnam’s reported decision to buy F-16 fighter jets from the United States could mark a dramatic shift in Hanoi’s strategic alignment – and possibly the end of a decades-old defence partnership with Russia – but some observers say the move may be more about appeasing Washington than bolstering air power.
Hanoi is said to have reached an agreement with Washington to acquire at least 24 F-16s from Lockheed Martin, according to US-based defence outlet 19FortyFive, which cited industry sources and a former US government official. If confirmed, the deal would represent the largest military transaction between the two countries to date.
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