British defence giant BAE Systems unveiled on Friday a £2.5-billion ($4.1-billion, 3.1-billion-euro) deal to sell 12 Eurofighter Typhoon combat jets and eight Hawk trainer planes to Oman. The deal, which will help sustain thousands of jobs in Britain, is the first major order since BAE Systems failed to merge with European aerospace giant EADS earlier this year, but failed to boost shares in the British company.
"BAE Systems and the government of the Sultanate of Oman have entered into a contract for the supply of Typhoon and Hawk Advanced Jet Trainer aircraft to the Royal Air Force of Oman," the London-listed company said in a statement. "The contract, valued at approximately £2.5 billion, provides for the delivery of 12 Typhoon and 8 Hawk aircraft starting in 2017.
"BAE Systems is the prime contractor for both the provision of the aircraft and the agreed arrangements for in-service support." British Prime Minister David Cameron was in Oman on Friday, and met with Sultan Qaboos to discuss "ongoing co-operation between both countries in several fields in light of their good relations and the mutual interests of their friendly people," Oman news agency ONA reported. Oman has historically close relations with Britain and is the only Arab state in the Gulf that also has warm ties with neighbouring Iran, enabling it to become a key mediator between Tehran and the West.
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