US Approves $188M Sale of F-16 Sustainment for Oman
The US State Department has approved a potential foreign military sale of F-16 fighter jet sustainment services and related equipment for the Royal Air Force of Oman.
The contract, with an estimated total cost of $188 million, covers major and minor modifications support and equipment, spare parts, software support, communications and ground handling equipment, alongside related logistics and program support that Washington classifies as non-major defense equipment.
As the manufacturer of the F-16, Lockheed Martin typically provides extensive sustainment, maintenance, and lifecycle support services for the aircraft. However, the notice states that there is no principal contractor associated with the potential sale.
The work completion schedule was also not disclosed.
The Gulf State reportedly has a fleet of around 24 F-16 Fighting Falcons, making it one of several F-16 operators in the Middle East, including Bahrain, Iraq, and the United Arab Emirates.
According to the notice, the proposed sale intends to “improve Oman’s capability to meet current and future threats by increasing interoperability with US and coalition partners and improving prospects for bilateral training and exercises with Oman’s military forces.”
With Oman occupying a strategically important position near the Strait of Hormuz and the Arabian Sea, maintaining its air force’s readiness gives the US another partner capable of contributing to regional security and coalition activities.
Source: Defence Post
