Royal Air Force of Oman (RAFO)

Royal Air Force of Oman (RAFO)

The RAFO is focused on maintaining territorial integrity and maritime security, supported by advanced multi-role fighters like the F-16 Block 50 and Eurofighter Typhoon.

ROYAL AIR FORCE OF OMAN (RAFO) • سلاح الجو السلطاني العماني Air Force ε5,000 personnel. Organization: Structured into specialized fighter, maritime patrol, transport, and rotary-wing squadrons, including integrated support for the Royal Flight and Police Air Wing.

Forces by Role & Equipment by Type

• AIRCRAFT 56 combat capable.

Fighter & Fighter Ground Attack with 4 active squadrons:

• 17 Lockheed Martin F-16C Block 50 Fighting Falcon;
• 12 Eurofighter Typhoon;
• 10 BAE Systems Hawk Mk 203.

Maritime Patrol (MPA) with 1 active squadron:

• 4 Airbus C295MPA Persuader.

Transport with 2 active squadrons:

• 6 Lockheed Martin C-130H/J/J-30 Hercules (Includes 1 VIP configuration);
• 4 Airbus C295M.

Training (Fixed-wing) with 1 active squadron:

• 12 Pilatus PC-9;
• 11 BAE Systems Hawk Mk 103 / Mk 166;
• 8 PAC MFI-17B Mushshak;
• 6 Lockheed Martin F-16D Block 50 Fighting Falcon (Combat capable).

• HELICOPTER 15 combat capable.

Multi-role & Maritime (Helicopter):

• 15 Westland Super Lynx Mk 300 (Maritime/SAR role).

Transport (Helicopter) with 4 medium squadrons:

• 20 NHIndustries NH90 TTH;
• 3 Bell 212 (AB-212).

Training (Helicopter):

• 4 Bell 206 Jet Ranger;
• 5 Bell 429.<
  
  

• AIR DEFENCE

Surface-to-Air Missiles (SAM) with 2 active squadrons:

• Raytheon NASAMS (Short-range).

• AIR-LAUNCHED WEAPONS

• Air-to-Air Missiles (AAM): AIM-9X Sidewinder II (IIR); AIM-9/M/P Sidewinder (IR); AIM-120C7 AMRAAM (ARH).
• Air-to-Surface Missiles (ASM): AGM-65D/G Maverick.
• Anti-Ship Missiles (AShM): AGM-84 Harpoon.
• Precision Bombs: EGBU-10/12 Paveway II (Laser-guided); GBU-31 JDAM (INS/GPS-guided).

Note: By 2026, the Royal Air Force of Oman has solidified its core fleet through recent recapitalization of its combat and maritime systems. The RAFO continues to strengthen its defense-industrial base through international collaboration, including agreements with Rolls-Royce for engine maintenance of its Hawk fleet and Lockheed Martin for satellite-based aircraft tracking for F-16 and C-130J platforms. Strategic focus remains on maritime domain awareness over Oman’s long coastline and maintaining high-readiness air defense via the NASAMS architecture.