India to train Vietnamese air force in flying Sukhoi

Tribune News Service

New Delhi, December 5

Expanding its outreach in China’s backyard, India today agreed to train Vietnamese air force in flying Sukhoi-30. This is the second major training programme after the Indian Navy trained its Vietnamese counterpart in operating Russian-origin kilo-class submarines. 

The agreement was signed at a meeting between Defence Minister Manohar Parrikar and his Vietnamese counterpart Gen Ngo Xuan Lich today. Vietnam operates Sukhoi-30MK2, while India Sukhoi-30 MKI. Vietnam is one of the principle parties which dispute the territorial claims of China in the hydrocarbon-rich South China Sea.

Earlier India had thought of sending a team of the IAF to train Vietnamese pilots but it was thought to be much easier to train them here. The training is set to commence anytime in 2017.

The plan has been under negotiation for several years now and is important from India’s point of view to counter an assertive China in South China Sea.

India has already trained 550 Vietnamese submariners to operate its six newly acquired Russian-built kilo-attack submarines under a $2.6 billion deal. Vietnam, known for its guerrilla warfare, is steadily augmenting its naval and air power.

According to the International think-tank Stockholm International Peace Research Institute, Vietnam’s defence procurement has registered a 700 per cent jump in 2015.

A new formula was also decided upon today for using the $500 million credit line for modernisation and purchase of new equipment.