Oman signs deal with BAE

Oman has signed a contract to buy 12 Typhoon and eight Hawk Advanced Jet Trainer aircraft from BAE Systems. The deal, announced on 21 December, has been long anticipated, but its value – widely reported to be around £2.5bn ($4.1 bn) – is more than the £1.5bn predicted. Deliveries are expected to begin in 2017, and the contract includes in-service support to the Royal Air Force of Oman.