Deal Covers Multiple Typhoon And Hawk Aircraft

In the first contract to be closed since BAE and EADS ended merger talks, BAE Systems says it has reached an agreement with the Sultanate of Oman to provide 12 Typhoon and eight Hawk aircraft, a deal with about $4.1 billion. Deliveries are expected to commence in 2017.

BAE said in a news release that the contract "is further recognition that both Typhoon and Hawk are leading aircraft in their class, providing the best capabilities available." As well as supplying aircraft, BAE will provide in-service support to the Royal Air Force of Oman's (RAFO) operational tasks.

“Receiving this contract is an honour and is excellent news for both BAE Systems and the Eurofighter Typhoon consortium," said Guy Griffiths, Group Managing Director for BAE Systems' International business. "BAE Systems has a long history of working in Oman and we are delighted this contract will enable us to continue to work together. We believe that Oman has now added the most advanced fighter jet and proven training aircraft, available in the world, to its military portfolio.

“We look forward to working in partnership with Oman's Ministry of Defence, and the Royal Air Force of Oman, to ensure this is a highly successful programme that maximises the potential of both Hawk and Typhoon.”

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 order of Hawk AJT's follows an order from the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia in May of this year. The total number of Hawk aircraft sold, or on order, to has climbed to 998.

BAE said the announcement also strengthens the long standing relationship between the company and the Sultanate of Oman. Oman currently operates Jaguar fighter aircraft and trains pilots on an earlier variant of the BAE Systems Hawk.

(BAE images top: Typhoon, bottom: Hawk)

FMI: www.baesystems.com