Chinese newspaper deeply concerned about Vietnam receiving NC-212i
After Vietnam's two NC-212i maritime patrol and transport aircraft returned home, China's Sina website published an article commenting on it.
China's Sina website reported that on May 22, a pair of Vietnamese NC-212i MSA maritime patrol and transport aircraft landed at Gia Lam airport and will serve in the formation of the 918th Air Brigade.
These NC-212i MSA aircraft were manufactured by Indonesia according to Vietnam's order because the Airbus Military assembly line for this type of aircraft in Europe has now closed and the machinery has been transferred to Indonesia.
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| Vietnam's NC-212i MSA aircraft with serial number 8992 during test flights in Indonesia. |
In addition to the two NC-212i MSA aircraft with serial numbers 8991 and 8992 that have just arrived in the country, Vietnam is expected to receive another similar aircraft in the near future, bringing the NC-212i and C-212-400 fleet to 5 aircraft.
This vehicle will play a very effective role in offshore patrol flights or establishing air transport bridges connecting the mainland with outpost islands thanks to its very short runway take-off and landing capability.
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| NC-212i MSA number 8992 upon arrival at Gia Lam airport on May 22. |
China's Sina page also commented that the capabilities of the Vietnam Air Force and Navy Air Force have continuously grown in recent times, most notably the fleet of nearly 40 Su-30MK2 multi-role fighters.
Sina believes that in the equipment and vehicle system of the Vietnam Air Force, the Su-30MK2 is truly a treasured sword thanks to its wide range of operations, large payload, and being equipped with many modern weapons and equipment.
In the future, Vietnam may import more modern fighter jets from Russia, which could be the much more powerful Su-30SM version or, more likely, an upgrade to the 4+ generation Su-35S fighter.
Sina further commented that in addition to Vietnam's multi-role fighters, this country must also pay special attention to the Japanese Air Force, as the Land of the Rising Sun plans to modernize its entire F-15C fleet to approach the functionality of the US's F-15SE Silent Eagle.
In addition, it is expected that Japan's F-35A fighter jets will soon be deployed in the disputed Senkaku Islands, also known as Diaoyu.
This makes it necessary for China to soon complete the J-20 as a counterweight to the Lightning II.
