Royal Air Force of Oman
The Royal Air Force of Oman (RAFO), formerly known as the Sultan of Oman’s Air Force (SOAF), was formed on 1 March 1959. Its first aircraft were three PROVOST jet trainers and two Pioneer transport aircraft operated from a small runway in Bait Al Falaj. In 1961, four Beaver aircraft joined the fleet, followed in 1969 by twelve Strikemaster aircraft. Ever since the accession of His Late Majesty Sultan Qaboos – may Allah rest his soul in peace - and the rebirth of the Sultanate of Oman in 1970, the Royal Air Force of Oman has played a significant national role in protecting the country's airspace, supporting other service branches of the Sultan's Armed Forces, and contributing to the building and development of the state. As a demonstration of his commitment to the role played by the air force, His Late Majesty Sultan Qaboos - may Allah rest his soul in peace - sanctioned the purchase of three Caribou aircraft, six Skyvans and eight helicopters, all in the same year, for the purpose of providing air cover to the units of the Sultan’s Armed Forces operating in mountainous terrain. RAFO saw further expansion in 1971, with the purchase of five Viscounts. This was followed in February 1975, with the introduction of Hawker Hunters, jet-powered, fighter aircraft, which were effectively deployed to provide close ground combat support, and were successful in carrying out important operational missions that helped to turn the tide of war. The Royal Air Force of Oman, like the other service branches of the Sultan's Armed Forces, has undergone several stages of transformation and development since its establishment and has become a capable and agile strike force.
In 1976, by Royal Decree, RAFO became an independent service, separate from the other service branches of the Sultan’s Armed Forces, and was formally renamed the Royal Air Force of Oman on June 23 1990. The Royal Air Force of Oman operates a number of bases across the sultanate, a testimony to the development of this now well-established service. Khasab and Salalah are its oldest military bases. The runway at Khasab Air Base dates back to April, 1965, whereas Salalah Air Base has been used as a military base since 1936. Plans for the development of Masirah Air Base began in 1962, and the base was officially opened on 1 April 1977. Thumrait Air Base had opened almost two years earlier, on 1 July, 1975. Other air bases such as those at Ghala and Seeb opened in 1974 and 1977 respectively. New air bases constructed for RAFO in the new millennium include Musanah Air Base which opened in 2005, and Adam Air Base which was established in 2018. The Royal Air Force of Oman also runs its own training institutions, prominent among these is the Air Force Technical College (AFTC) established in 1974 as the Technical Training Institute (TTI) to provide training in various technical and aircraft-related disciplines.
During the first era of Oman’s blessed renaissance, the Royal Air Force of Oman has played an important role in supporting Oman’s civilian population. A good example of this is the flying-doctor helicopter service operating in a challenging geographical environment, and providing life-saving medical support to citizens and residents in remote areas. RAFO has also played an important role during natural disasters by undertaking search and rescue operations. The Royal Air Force of Oman continues to dedicate its skills and services to ensure the welfare and safety of the Omani community.
