Macron Signs Airbus and Defence Deals During Vietnam Visit

HANOI, Vietnam, May 26 (Reuters) – France and Vietnam signed a deal for 20 Airbus planes, along with pacts related to defense and space, during President Emmanuel Macron‘s visit to Hanoi on May 26, 2025. This marks Macron’s first formal visit to Vietnam, which is the first by a French president in nearly a decade.

The signing comes amid rising tensions due to U.S. tariffs that threaten Vietnam’s economy. U.S. President Donald Trump recently indicated tariffs on European Union goods could take effect as early as June 1.

Macron’s visit included the signing of 14 agreements, covering cooperation in nuclear energy, defense, railways, and the purchase of Airbus’s earth-observation satellites. Though fewer deals were signed than anticipated, French officials expect additional agreements to be announced soon.

At a press conference, without allowing for questions, Macron expressed France’s commitment to freedom of navigation in the South China Sea, a topic of importance to Vietnam amid its maritime disputes with China.

Vietnamese President Luong Cuong highlighted the defense partnership’s focus on sharing strategic information and enhancing cybersecurity efforts. Vietnam has been navigating complex trade relations, especially with the U.S., seeking to offset potential tariffs while maintaining European partnerships.

The Airbus deal, involving a purchase of 20 A330neo wide-body aircraft by Vietnam’s low-cost airline VietJet, is critical as Airbus currently supplies 86% of Vietnam’s commercial fleet, according to aviation analytics firm Cirium.

As part of his Southeast Asian tour, Macron is also set to visit Indonesia and Singapore. His trip aims to strengthen France’s influence in the region, particularly given the growing pressures from U.S. trade policies.

Macron’s interaction with Vietnamese leaders underscores a renewed focus on collaborative efforts in defense, space exploration, and trade as both nations seek to navigate the evolving geopolitical landscape.