# The U.S. is set to make its inaugural foreign military sale to Vietnam by supplying three Lockheed Martin C-130 Hercules transport planes.

*aerospace · news · 2026-05-29 · Devdiscourse*

## Key points

- The U.S. will sell three Lockheed Martin C-130 Hercules planes to Vietnam.
- This is the first U.S. foreign military sale to Vietnam involving major aircraft.
- Previous U.S. defense exports to Vietnam were mainly coastguard vessels and trainer aircraft since 2016.
- The sale aims to enhance Vietnam's defense amid increasing South China Sea tensions.

The United States is set to make its inaugural foreign military sale to Vietnam by supplying three Lockheed Martin C-130 Hercules transport planes. Announced by U.S. lawmaker Michael Baumgartner, this development is seen as a significant move to bolster Vietnam's defense capabilities. According to information reported by Reuters, discussions between the two nations have been ongoing, though Lockheed Martin, Vietnam's foreign ministry, and the U.S. State Department have yet to comment on the transaction. The C-130 aircraft, capable of carrying soldiers and military equipment, will strengthen Vietnamese defense amidst escalating tensions in the South China Sea. Since a 2016 embargo lift, defense exports to Vietnam have primarily consisted of coastguard vessels and trainer aircraft, with cost and integration issues slowing significant sales. (With inputs from agencies.)

**Companies:** Lockheed Martin
**Countries:** United States, Vietnam

[Read the full story on Devdiscourse](https://www.devdiscourse.com/article/law-order/3925833-historic-military-sale-us-to-deliver-c-130-hercules-to-vietnam)

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