Sultanate of Oman is considering the acquisition of the Rafale from Dassault Aviation.

The Sultanate of Oman has shown a keen interest in acquiring the Rafale F4 fighter jet from Dassault Aviation, as reported by The New York Times on April 2, 2024. Currently, the Royal Air Force of Oman operates a fleet that includes Lockheed Martin's F-16s and the Eurofighter Typhoon from the European consortium Eurofighter, but its interest in the Rafale suggests a potential diversification of its aerial capabilities.
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The potential integration of the Rafale into the Omani arsenal would represent a significant shift in the Sultanate's military procurement policy, especially considering the Typhoon was chosen over the Rafale in 2012 (Picture source: Dassault Aviation)

This interest in the Rafale, which has already been adopted by other countries equipped with American and European fighter jets, reflects the growing international recognition of this French aircraft. Positioned strategically near the Arabian Sea and bordering Yemen, the Sultanate of Oman is reportedly considering the purchase of 18 to 24 units of the aircraft, a modest order that aligns with the country's strategy to extend its defense capabilities.

The Royal Air Force of Oman has significant experience with Western military equipment. In 2001, the United States sold 12 F-16 C/FD aircraft and other military equipment totaling $1.12 billion to Oman, followed by a second contract for 12 F-16s concluded in 2011. In 2012, the British defense group BAE Systems secured a contract worth approximately 3 billion euros with the Sultanate of Oman for 12 Eurofighter Typhoon fighter jets and eight Hawk training aircraft, strengthening military ties between Oman and Western arms manufacturers.

The potential integration of the Rafale into the Omani arsenal would represent a significant shift in the Sultanate's military procurement policy, especially considering the Typhoon was chosen over the Rafale in 2012. Such an order would enhance France's position as a military equipment supplier in a region historically influenced by the United Kingdom. Until now, military cooperation between France and Oman has primarily focused on the acquisition of Airbus A320s for transporting high-profile individuals and six Eurocopter EC225LP Super Pumas for maritime search and rescue missions.

Oman's potential choice of the Rafale, a nation of just 4.5 million but strategically located along the Gulf of Oman and the Arabian Sea, underscores the need for a powerful and versatile air force to address regional security challenges. The Rafale, with its capacity to act as a "game changer" in air missions, could offer the Sultanate an advanced platform to bolster its defense and deter regional threats.

Moreover, the Rafale is garnering increasing interest in the Middle East, where it is becoming a central element of several countries' air forces. Qatar, with an order of 36 jets started in 2015, and Egypt, the first export buyer of the Rafale with 24 aircraft ordered that same year, demonstrate the growing adoption of this jet in the region. The United Arab Emirates also marked a milestone in 2021 with the largest order to date, purchasing 80 Rafales, showcasing its commitment to modernization and strengthening its air defense. These acquisitions highlight the strategic importance of Rafale in bolstering military capabilities in the Middle East.

Defense News April 2024