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The U.S. State Department has approved a possible Foreign Military Sale to Oman for F-16 sustainment services and related equipment valued at an estimated $188 million, according to a government notice labeled Transmittal 26-71.
The package, classified as non-major defense equipment, would provide a wide range of support to keep Oman’s F-16 fleet mission-ready. It includes major and minor modifications, spare parts and consumables, repair-and-return services, aircraft components and accessories, communications gear, precision navigation and ground-handling equipment, calibration and lab instruments, software and software support (both classified and unclassified), technical publications, maps and charts, training for personnel, and U.S. government and contractor engineering, technical, and logistics assistance.
The State Department said the proposed sale would bolster a longstanding U.S. partner that it described as an important force for political stability and economic progress in the Middle East. It also said the sustainment package would enhance Oman’s ability to meet current and future threats, improve interoperability with U.S. and coalition forces, and support prospects for bilateral training and exercises. Oman already operates F-16s and is expected to absorb the support without difficulty, the notice said.
U.S. officials emphasized the deal would not alter the basic military balance in the region. The proposal does not identify a principal contractor; support would be provided by the U.S. government or contracted vendors as requirements are defined. No offset agreements are known at this time, and any such arrangements would be negotiated between Oman and the selected contractors. Implementation would not require assigning additional U.S. government or contractor personnel to Oman.
Congress has been notified of the potential sale, which begins a review period. The approval does not constitute a final agreement, and the dollar value could change based on final negotiations and requirements.
