Three new ships agreement has been concluded with the British company, Vosper Thorneycroft,

have been ordered by for the construction of three new RNO ships as part of the navy’s ongoing
the Royal Navy of
Oman as part of its modernisation programme. In May 2008 the RNO staged the ‘Khanjar Haad
ongoing modernization 2008’ naval training exercise in Omani territorial waters in conjunction with the
programme naval forces of several friendly countries.

The Royal Air Force of Oman (RAFO)

The Royal Air Force of Oman (RAFO)’s modern weaponry and systems
include fighters, bombers, helicopters, transport aircraft, anti-aircraft missile
batteries, advanced radar systems and training aircraft. The technology of the
defence and weapons facilities and bases are continually being upgraded to keep
pace with the very latest developments.
RAFO has a number of multi-purpose F16 fighter aircraft, as well as Hawk
and Jaguar aeroplanes and Super Lynx 300 and NH90 helicopters, whose duties
can include combat, search and rescue missions, providing back-up for the
Royal Navy of Oman in protecting the Omani coasts, and support services for
members of the public.
Al Musana’ah Air Base - one of the air force’s latest projects – is capable of
handling modern, high-tech fighter aircraft. RAFO takes part in numerous flight
Overleaf: RAFO has exercises with the air forces of the Arab Gulf Co-operation Council (AGCC)
a number of the F16 states and other friendly countries. In 2007 it signed a contract for the purchase
multi-purpose fighter
aircraft of two Airbus A320-300 aircraft to replace some of its current transport planes.

OMAN 97
The Royal Guard of Oman (RGO) The RGO is an
The Royal Guard of Oman (RGO) is an important element of the Sultanate’s important component
of the Sultanate’s
military establishment and, with the advanced equipment and systems supplied military establishment
to its infantry, armoured and artillery units, it has achieved a high standard of
proficiency and combat capability. The RGO trains personnel on its full range of
systems and equipment and holds specialist training courses at various different
levels of expertise. Its Technical College produces highly qualified personnel for
employment within the RGO as well as other government bodies and awards the
same certificate as that awarded by technical colleges in the United Kingdom.
The Royal Oman Symphony Orchestra (ROSO) with its talented complement
of highly trained young Omani musicians comes under the auspices of the RGO.
(Also see page 163)
In addition to their official duties, the Red Helmets motor-cycle team are a
popular attraction at acrobatic displays and similar recreational events.

Other service units

The Ministry of Defence’s Engineering Services provide technical and
engineering support for military exercises, as well as maintenance, essential
services and infrastructure utilities at military installations. Their other duties
include road building in some of the governorates and regions. In 2006
Engineering Services launched a Comprehensive Building Equipment Project
to support various schemes around the country.

100 OMAN
 The Defence Ministry’s National Survey Authority produces military and
civil maps, carries out aerial photography, sets the criteria for topographical
surveys, maintains the National Geographic Archives and provides aeronautical
charts, geographical aids and training in cartography and map production. The
Institute of Survey Sciences and Map Production, established at the National
Survey Authority, attracts staff from military and civil departments.
Military Social Services at the Sultan’s Armed Forces (SAF) Staff HQ
provide social welfare services for serving and former SAF officers and other
ranks. In addition to general welfare services, their remit includes the provision
of housing loans, as well as care, rehabilitation and medical services for the
disabled. The Sultanate is a permanent member of the Arab Union of War
Veterans and Victims Associations.
The Morale Guidance Department organises media coverage of military,
social and cultural events involving the SAF and the RGO and issues the monthly
magazine ‘Jund Oman’ (Soldiers of Oman) as well as other publications.
It produces and presents military radio and TV reports and programmes in
conjunction with the Ministry of Information, organizes competitions and carries
out a number of other duties including helping ensure the smooth running of the
annual military Hajj mission.
The SAF Museum at Bait al Falaj Fort chronicles Oman’s military history
through the ages, and during August 2008 it displayed some of its exhibits at the
Khareef Festival in Salalah.

Facilities and training

The Sultan’s Armed Forces (SAF) and the Royal Guard of Oman (RGO) have
a number of education and training institutions for training officers and other
ranks in a range of specialist military, scientific, technical, technological and
linguistic disciplines. These include: the Command and Staff College in Bait al
Falaj, the Officers’ Training School in Sohar, the Sultan Qaboos Military College
at Aydim, the School of Administration and Ordnance MAM, the Sultan Qaboos
Air Academy at Ghalla, the Royal Air Force of Oman’s Technical College and
RAFO’s Aircraft Control College at Seeb; the Royal Navy of Oman’s Junior Staff
School; the RNO’s Fleet School, and the RNO’s Training Centre at Wudam; as
well as a number of other establishments. The SAF also offers its personnel the
opportunity to complete their higher education at home or abroad.
Mobilisation and field exercises are held to improve the combat capability of
the armed forces, either within the SAF or in co-operation with the armed forces
of the Arab Gulf Co-operation Council (AGCC) states and other countries.

Cultural, academic, scientific, religious and sporting activities

The Sultan’s Armed Forces (SAF) and the Royal Guard of Oman (RGO)
attach great importance to providing personnel with opportunities to develop
their cultural, academic, scientific, religious and sporting interests. Libraries
and clubs linked through the Ministry of Defence’s internal network have been
set up at SAF headquarters.

OMAN 101