Oman has selected the AgustaWestland Super Lynx 300 and Lockheed Martin F-16 fighter for the air force and helicopters for the police. Meanwhile, Raytheon has offered the neighbouring United Arab Emirates a F-16 Block 60 weapons package.
A selection statement by defence minister Sayyed Badr bin Saud al-Bussaidi, during a Royal Air Force of Oman (RAFO) cadet passing out parade this month surprised helicopter and fighter bidders alike. A helicopter choice had not been expected until later this year and fighters are not included in the existing five-year defence plan.
Oman's plans are hazy, however. AgustaWestland says it cannot confirm details of its bid, but it is understood the deal is likely to be for 20 multi-role machines. The company's stand at IDEX displayed an aircraft with the radar, forward-looking infrared and wheeled undercarriage of naval Lynxs and the capability to carry battlefield weapons. The Super Lynx 300 is fitted with LHTEC T800 engines and a glass cockpit.
The police helicopter order is even less clear with a suggestion that four to six AgustaWestland A109s and Agusta-Bell AB139s will be acquired.
Lockheed Martin Aeronautics vice-president marketing initiatives Dwain Mayfield says talks have been held between the Oman and US governments and that the company has not been told which F-16 version, the number required, or any other specifics. He adds, however, that the selection "makes good sense for Gulf co-operation" following the UAE's order for 80 F-16s last year.
In 1997, the RAFO decided to upgrade its Sepecat Jaguars instead of procuring new F-16s or Saab/ BAE Systems Gripens. It had been expected that the ground-attack Jaguar would remain in service until 2005/08, although it is possible that initially the F-16 will be dedicated to the air defence role.
Meanwhile, Raytheon has submitted its proposal to arm the UAE's F-16s - offering the short- range AIM-9M Sidewinder and AIM-120 AMRAAM for the air-to-air role and the AGM-88 HARM anti-radiation missile, Paveway II/III laser guided bombs and AGM-65 Maverick air-to ground weapon.
Raytheon director UAE F-16 weapon programme Tom McKinney says the AIM-9M is one step towards the more advanced AIM-9X, international sales of which are just getting under way. Suggestions that the Alenia Marconi Systems Al Hakim precision-guided munitions will not be integrated on the F-16 have been scotched by local sources who point to a Lockheed Martin artist's impression of the Block 60 showing the aircraft carrying the weapon.
Source: Flight International
