Overview
- U.S. Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth arrived in Hanoi on Sunday and was expected to meet Communist Party chief To Lam, President Luong Cuong, and Defence Minister Phan Van Giang.
- Talks were expected to focus on U.S. arms supplies, with Lockheed Martin C-130 Hercules transport planes on the agenda, according to Vietnamese sources and a U.S. official.
- One Vietnamese source said helicopter options could be discussed, including Lockheed Martin S-92s and Boeing Chinooks.
- Sources said it was unclear whether any agreement or public announcement would be made during the visit.
- Vietnam has sought to diversify its arsenal since the embargo lift, and the U.S. has already delivered three coast guard cutters and three T-6 trainers as prior discussions covered C-130s and a preliminary S-92 deal.