August 31, 2002 (by Lieven Dewitte) -
The United States has launched the bureaucratic process to sell F-16 multi-role fighters to Oman.
The Defense Department has awarded Lockheed Martin a $32.8 million contract to initiate the F-16 sale to the sultanate. Muscat has requested 12 F-16 C/D Block 50 aircraft , manufactured by Lockheed Martin.
The Pentagon announcement said the award to Lockheed Martin would provide for the start of the sale of the F-16s as well as associated alternate mission equipment and integrated logistics support for the government of Oman. The statement said so far $7.2 million of the funds have been obligated.
The rest of the funds will be obligated as Oman begins to receive the first of the aircraft, the Pentagon said. The statement does not provide an amount for the entire F-16 deal.
