Key Facts
| Current Title: |
| al-Quwwat al-Jawwiya al-Sultanat Oman |
| English Title: |
| Royal Air Force of Oman |
| Abbreviation: |
| RAFO |
| First Established: |
| 1959 |
| ICAO Code: |
| (None) |
| Country: |
| Oman |
| Status: |
| Active |
History
Narrative Summary
Military aviation started in Muscat and Oman in 1959 with the formation of the Sultan of Oman’s Air Force (SOAF). Initially intended for policing duties it was largely manned by ex-RAF personnel. The start of the Dhofar rebellion in the 1960s lead to a rapid expansion of the air arm and a re-orientation towards counter-insurgency operations. Jet light attack aircraft and helicopters were acquired. In 1990 the SOAF was renamed the Royal Air Force of Oman (RAFO).
Key Dates
| March 1959 | Sultan of Oman’s Air Force first formed | |
| 1969 | First jet aircraft delivered – Strikemaster | |
| 1970 | First helicopters received – Wessex | |
| 1990 | Renamed Royal Air Force of Oman |
Current Status
To be added.
Future Plans
Replacement of AB205 and Super Puma with 20 NHI NH-90s.
One C-130J is also order.
Markings
National Insignia
Current — Historical
Aircraft Serial Numbers
Early SOAF aircraft retained their former RAF/Army Air Corps serial numbers. In the late 1960s a three-digit serial numbering system was introduced, in the range 100-999, e.g. C-47 501. Numbers are reused as aircraft types are retired.
Unit/Base Codes
Coding system not used.
Aircraft
Aircraft Designations
None – Manufacturers designations used.
Current Aircraft Inventory
Table of Current Service Aircraft
All-Time Aircraft Used List
All-Time Table of Aircraft Used
Aircraft NOT Used
An order for 8 Panavia Tornado F.3s was placed in 1985, but cancelled in 1990. The ‘Dassault Falcon 10’ reportedly used by No.4 Sqn was actually a Royal Flight Dassault Falcon 20. Dornier Do 228 aircraft reported to be in RAFO service are actually Police Air Wing aircraft.
Organisation
Main Headquarters
Muaskar al-Murtafa.
Organisational Structure
The RAFO is organised along British Royal Air Force lines, with aircraft currently grouped into 11 separate Squadrons.
Current Order of Battle
Table of Current Order of Battle
Historical Orders of Battle
List of Historical Orders of Battle – to be added.
All-Time Flying Units List
To be added.
Air Bases
Current Air Bases
The main air bases currently used are Al Musanah, Masirah, Salalah, Seeb and Thumrait.
All-Time Air Bases Used List
A new base has been constructed at Al Musanah, and consequently the use of Seeb Airport will eventually be discontinued.
Military Air Bases Listing – to be added.
More Information
Books
Oman Military Aviation Bibliography – to be added.
Magazines
Websites
Official Oman Air Force webpage
Air-Britain Photos: Oman Air Force