May 29, 2003 (by Lieven Dewitte) -
Officials said the Bush administration has approved plans for a second order of the advanced anti-ship missiles to Oman. They said the order is valued at nearly $22 million and is meant to provide the sultanates F-16 fleet with anti-ship capability.
The Defense Department has awarded McDonnell Douglas a $21.8 million contract for up to 20 Harpoon missiles. Officials said the award exercises an option for the missiles as well as 11 containers and 11 launch lug kits for Oman.
A Pentagon statement said the AGM-84D Harpoon air-launched anti-ship missiles will be produced in the United States. The statement said the contract is expected to be completed in March 2005.
