Hanoi: United States Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth arrived in Vietnam this week for high-level meetings aimed at strengthening defense cooperation between the two countries. His visit comes as Washington and Hanoi continue prolonged talks over potential arms supply deals that could reshape Vietnam’s military ties with the United States.

During his stay in Hanoi, Hegseth met with Vietnam’s top leaders, including Party Chief To Lam, President Luong Cuong, and Defense Minister Phan Van Giang. The discussions focused on ways to deepen security collaboration and enhance Vietnam’s defense capacity, especially in areas such as air mobility and maritime security.

Officials said the two countries are still negotiating possible sales of American-made aircraft, including C-130 Hercules transport planes and S-92 or CH-47 Chinook helicopters. These talks have been ongoing for several months as Vietnam looks to diversify its defense suppliers beyond Russia, which has long been its main source of military equipment.

While no major deal is expected to be signed during this visit, analysts view the talks as a clear signal of growing strategic cooperation between Washington and Hanoi. A potential agreement could mark a turning point in Vietnam’s military modernization efforts and in its broader foreign policy approach to balance relations between major powers in the region.

Earlier this year, Vietnam’s Ministry of Public Security reportedly agreed to purchase two U.S.-made helicopters from Lockheed Martin, valued at more than 100 million dollars. That deal, though separate, reflects Vietnam’s increasing willingness to acquire American defense technology.

Vietnam’s interest in U.S. defense products is also linked to trade talks with Washington. The Southeast Asian nation has been seeking to reduce its large trade surplus with the United States by purchasing more American goods, including defense and security equipment.

For the United States, closer military ties with Vietnam serve a wider strategic purpose in the Indo-Pacific region, where Washington is working to strengthen partnerships with countries concerned about China’s growing assertiveness in the South China Sea.
Defense experts say that if the current talks succeed, the transfer of U.S. aircraft could significantly boost Vietnam’s transport and disaster-response capabilities while enhancing its overall defense readiness.

Although specific timelines or financial details remain uncertain, the visit marks another step forward in the steadily evolving defense relationship between the two former wartime adversaries, now increasingly seen as important partners in maintaining regional stability.