America has basically reached an agreement with Vietnam, and Vietnam is abandoning the Russian Su-30 fighter jets and will order 24 F-16V fighters. The Vietnamese Air Force's Su-27SK fighters are nearing retirement.
More than 30 Su-30MK2V fighters are seriously lacking in major overhauls, and they also use older R-27 missiles. Due to lack of maintenance, by the end of this year, half of the Su-30 fighters will be out of service.
Vietnam itself does not have the capability for upgrades and maintenance, but it doesn't want to pay a large sum of money to Russia. It is worried that after receiving the money, Russia's actual actions will be far off. It is worried that Russia will take the money and do nothing! After all, Russian defense industry is busy with the situation on the Ukraine battlefield!
America seized the opportunity to promote F-16V fighters and C-130 transport aircraft. In fact, Vietnam is also hesitating, buying F-16V fighters means offending us. Moreover, this fighter jet is too expensive. The Philippines plans to buy 20 F-16V fighters, which would cost $5.6 billion.
Vietnam is also concerned that with Vietnam's level of maintenance, even the maintenance of Su-27 and Su-30 fighters is not good. It will not be able to handle more complex and advanced F-16V fighters. In the future, it might be exploited by American aircraft maintenance companies for a lifetime.
Original source: https://www.toutiao.com/article/1830094043831324/
Disclaimer: This article only represents the author's personal views.