The US Defense Security Cooperation Agency (DSCA) has notified Congress of a possible Foreign Military Sale (FMS) to the Sultanate of Oman of 18 Lockheed Martin F-16 Block 50/52 aircraft and associated spares, training and logistical support.
The notification, worth a potential US$3.5bn (A$3.8bn), would also cover 20 P&W F100-PW-229 or GE F110-GE-129 engines, 24 APG-68(V)9 radars, weapons racks and communications equipment, JHMCS helmet sights, Sniper targeting pods, and EW equipment.
Oman already operates 14 F-16 Block 52s, and the contract would also provide for the upgrade of these aircraft to a configuration common to the new aircraft.
The notification is a possible blow to BAE Systems and the RAF who were hoping to sell some of the RAF’s unwanted Eurofighter Typhoon Tranche 3A fighters to Oman.
