Royal Air Force of Oman

The Royal Air Force of Oman (RAFO) is a professional and well-equipped air arm, structured and operated along British lines, a legacy of its close historical and ongoing relationship with the United Kingdom's Royal Air Force. This relationship remains a cornerstone of its development, with a senior British RAF officer serving as an advisor to the RAFO commander, influencing doctrine, training, and planning. The force's structure encompasses approximately 12 squadrons, operating from several main air bases including Masirah, Thumrait, Salalah, and Al Musanah. A long-standing policy of "Omanisation" has successfully seen Omani nationals assume key roles across the force, which has a strength of about 4,100 personnel.

The RAFO's operational capabilities are centered around a modern fleet of Western-sourced combat aircraft. This includes Eurofighter Typhoons and F-16 C/D Block 50/52+ fighters, which form the primary air defense and ground attack assets. The air force's motto, "Strike and Support," encapsulates its dual role of combat operations and providing air mobility and support to Oman's civil population across a challenging geography. Its operational doctrine emphasizes interoperability with regional and Western partners.