Oman orders 12 Typhoon fighters and 8 Hawk trainers
21 Dec 2012
BAE Systems announced on 21 December, 2012, that it has signed a contract with the Sultanate of Oman for the purchase of 12 Eurofighter Typhoon multi-role aircraft and eight Hawk Advanced Jet Trainers. Deliveries are expected to commence in 2017. The contract includes in-service support by BAE Systems to the Royal Air Force of Oman (RAFO). According to Flight International, the Oman contract also comprises a provision to include the Euroradar consortium's E-Scan active electronically scanned array radar.
Oman becomes the seventh country in the world, and the second in the Middle East, to operate the Typhoon, joining the air forces of the United Kingdom, Germany, Italy, Spain, Austria and Saudi Arabia. The multi-role Typhoons will join the RAFO F-16C/D Block 50 fighter force and replace its fleet of Jaguar fighter aircraft. This will make Oman the first country to operate the Typhoon alongside new Advanced Block F-16 Falcons. The current fleet of 12 F-16C/D will be increased by another 12 jets ordered in December 2011, with six more on option.
Oman becomes the second operator of the Hawk AJT in the region, as the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia ordered the type in May 2012 to also provide lead-in fighter training (LIFT) for its future Typhoon pilots. The total number of Hawk family aircraft sold, or on order, now stands at 998, BAE Systems reports. The number includes Oman's Hawks delivered in the early 1990s, the RAFO currently operates four BAe Hawk Mk.103 twin-seat trainers (which includes one attrition replacement) and the remaining eleven out of twelve delivered Mk.203 single-seater combat-capable advanced training aircraft. This order of Hawk Advanced Jet Trainers will give Oman a up-to-date Lead-In Fighter Trainer, and is expected to allow the retirement of the four Mk.103 basic jet trainers, while also relieving the APG-66H equipped Hawk Mk.203 single-seater light attack aircraft of their training role.
- Sources
- BAE Systems, Oman order Typhoon and Hawk aircraft, Press Release 21 December 2012, www.baesystems.com
- Flight International, Oman to obtain 12 Typhoons, eight Hawks, 21 December 2012, www.flightglobal.com. Retrieved 22 December 2012.
- Defense Industry Daily, Oman’s Air Force Upgrades: From Jaguars to F-16s & Eurofighters, www.defenseindustrydaily.com. Retrieved 22 December 2012.
2022
12 January 2022 | ACC
Thunderbirds Kick-Off Inaugural Training Trip
The United States Air Force Air Demonstration Squadron “Thunderbirds” kicked off their first ever winter training trip in Truth or Consequences, New Mexico, Jan. 10. The Thunderbirds’ training season, ranging from November through March, is a time to integrate and synchronize as a team and practice the demonstration.
2021
20 May 2021 | RAF
Red Arrows Return to UK Airshows
Audiences across the UK can once again enjoy the spectacular displays of the Red Arrows the first time in almost two years.
14 March 2021 | RAF
RAF Typhoons conduct strikes against Daesh in support of Iraqi ground forces
RAF Typhoons operating as part of the counter-Daesh Coalition have conducted a series of air strikes in support of Iraqi ground forces.
11 March 2021 | USAF News
Air Force receives first F-15EX
The U.S. Air Force officially accepted the first F-15EX from the Boeing Co. March 10 at the company’s St. Louis facility.
25 February 2021 | RAF
RAF Sentinel R1 aircraft conducts last operational flight
The RAF Sentinel R1 aircraft has carried out its last operational flight after 14 years of service. The Sentinel R1 aircraft of V (Army Cooperation) Squadron have flown circa 32,300 hours conducting approximately 4,870 sorties during its service life. The withdrawal from service was first announced as part of the 2015 Strategic Defence and Security Review.
17 February 2021 | RAF
RAF Typhoons carry out second round of airstrikes against Daesh targets in Iraq this year
RAF Typhoons have carried out airstrikes against Daesh targets in Iraq for the second time this year.
2020
23 March 2020 | RAF
Training update for the Red Arrows
… decision has been taken not to send the Royal Air Force Aerobatic Team, the Red Arrows, overseas for work-up training this year.
21 March 2020 | MILAVIA News
Air Show Cancellations
The challenging and unprecedented situation presented by this global crisis has forced many organizations to cancel or postpone air shows and other public aviation events.
13 March 2020 | ACC
U.S. Air Force update for air show support
"Department of the Air Force is suspending all outreach activities and support to community events through May 15. This includes, but is not limited to, on-base and civilian sponsored air shows, band performances and community engagements and meetings. "
2019
23 August 2019 | Embraer
Portugal Signs Contract for 5 Embraer KC-390s
Évora, Portugal, August 22, 2019 – The Portuguese Government and Embraer signed today, at a ceremony held at Embraer's facility in Évora, a contract for the acquisition of five multi-mission airlifters Embraer KC-390. Additionally, services and support and a flight simulator are included in the contract as part of the process to modernize Portuguese Air Force capabilities to support national Armed Forces operations and increase readiness in missions of public interest. Deliveries are scheduled to start in 2023.