France and Vietnam Sign Major Airbus and Defense Agreements During Macron’s Visit to Hanoi

Report by Safarti Tarjuman International Desk

France and Vietnam signed a series of strategic agreements spanning defense, aviation, space technology, and healthcare during French President Emmanuel Macron’s official visit to Hanoi. The visit marked the first by a French president in nearly a decade and came at a time of heightened global trade tensions.

The centerpiece of the deals was the agreement between Vietnamese budget airline VietJet and Airbus for the purchase of 20 A330neo wide-body aircraft, expanding on a similar deal signed last year. While pricing and delivery schedules were not disclosed, Airbus continues to dominate Vietnam’s aviation market, accounting for 86% of its fleet, according to aviation analytics firm Cirium.

In total, 14 agreements were signed, covering:

* Defense cooperation, including cybersecurity and anti-terrorism
* Civil nuclear energy development
* Earth-observation satellite programs by Airbus
* Railway modernization
* Vaccine supply from pharmaceutical giant Sanofi

Officials noted that additional agreements may be announced on Tuesday, as the visit progresses.

During a joint press appearance, President Macron emphasized France’s commitment to freedom of navigation, a critical issue for Vietnam amid ongoing maritime disputes with China in the South China Sea. He also highlighted the deepening of defense ties and a reinforced strategic partnership.

Vietnamese President Luong Cuong echoed these sentiments, stating the bilateral defense pact would involve the exchange of strategic information and enhanced industrial cooperation.

Macron’s Vietnam stop is part of a broader Southeast Asian tour that will continue in Indonesia and Singapore. On Tuesday, he is expected to visit a Hanoi-based university before departing for Jakarta.