ROYAL OMAN NAVAL AVIATION

ROYAL OMAN NAVAL AVIATION

As of 2026, Oman utilizes a centralized aviation model where the Royal Air Force of Oman (RAFO) owns and operates the aircraft and helicopters that provide maritime domain awareness and ship-borne support for the Royal Navy of Oman. While there is no independent, sovereign "Naval Air Force," these assets are dedicated to the maritime security role, which is a principal task of the Omani armed forces given the nation's long coastline.

ROYAL OMAN NAVAL AVIATION • (RAFO Integrated Support)
Navy Personnel: ε4,200. Status: Integrated command under the Royal Air Force of Oman (RAFO). Organization: Aviation assets are structured into specialized maritime patrol and ship-borne rotary-wing squadrons that operate from both shore bases and the Navy's principal surface combatants.

Forces by Role & Equipment by Type
Maritime Domain Awareness & Ship-Borne Support (RAFO Assets)

• AIRCRAFT Total 4 combat-capable.

Maritime Patrol (MPA) with 1 active squadron:

• 4 Airbus C295MPA Persuader.
  • (Note: These aircraft provide persistent surface surveillance and maritime search and rescue capability).

Tactical Transport & Utility (Naval Support):

• 4 Airbus C295M.
• 6 Lockheed Martin C-130H/J/J-30 Hercules (Utilized for regional logistical support).

• HELICOPTER Total 15 combat-capable.

Multi-role & Anti-Surface Warfare (ASuW):

• 15 Westland Super Lynx Mk 300.
  • (Role: Primary ship-borne asset for anti-surface warfare (ASuW) and maritime SAR; these are deployed on vessels such as the Al-Shamikh-class frigates and Qahir Al Amwaj-class corvettes).

Medium Transport & Tactical Mobility:

• 20 NHIndustries NH90 TTH.
  • (Note: These helicopters provide regional mobility and tactical support for maritime and coastal operations).

• PRINCIPAL NAVAL AVIATION PLATFORMS (SHIPS)

Helicopter-Capable Surface Combatants:

• Frigates (FFGHM): 3 Al-Shamikh (Each with capacity for 2 Super Lynx Mk 88A/300).
• Corvettes (FSGM): 2 Qahir Al Amwaj (Fitted with hel landing platforms).
• Offshore Patrol Vessels (PCO): 4 Al Ofouq (Fitted with hel landing platforms).
• High-Speed Support (EPF): 3 Al Mubshir (HSSV 72) (Fitted with hel landing platforms).

Note: By 2026, the Royal Oman Naval Aviation capability is defined by its focus on Maritime Security and territorial integrity. The force has recently completed a recapitalization of its core systems, ensuring that the C295MPA and Super Lynx fleets are highly integrated with the Navy's surface combatants to protect Omani waters. Logistical and technical support for these airframes is increasingly localized, following agreements with international partners like Rolls-Royce for engine maintenance.