US approves possible $188 million F-16 support for Oman

The US State Department on Saturday approved a possible $188 million Foreign Military Sale to Oman for F-16 sustainment services and related equipment, as Washington seeks to strengthen the military capabilities of the longstanding Middle East partner.

The proposed sale includes major and minor modification support, spare parts, aircraft components, communications equipment, precision navigation and measurement equipment, training and technical support, as well as software and logistics support, according to the State Department.

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The package will support Oman’s existing fleet of F-16 aircraft and help the country address current and future security threats, while improving interoperability with the US and coalition partners.

“This proposed sale will support the foreign policy and national security of the United States by helping to improve the security of a longstanding partner,” the State Department said. It added that the deal would improve the prospects for bilateral training and exercises with Oman’s military forces.

Oman already operates F-16 aircraft and “will have no difficulty absorbing these articles and services into its armed forces”.

The US government said the proposed sale would not alter the basic military balance in the region and would have no adverse impact on US defence readiness.

There is no principal contractor associated with the potential sale. Support will be provided by the US government or contracted vendors based on requirements determined during implementation.

The State Department would not currently aware of any offset agreement proposed in connection with the sale. Any such agreement would be defined during negotiations between Oman and the contractor.

The implementation of the proposed sale will also not require the deployment of additional US government or contractor representatives to Oman, according to the statement.