- Yes
- No
- Would you like a Decal?
- Would you like a Strikemaster mk.82/82a camo/skin?
- Would you like a unique Percival Provost MK.52?
- None!
During the 1920s through 50s, it slowly became apparant that with the rise of nationalism within the Arab sphere, that the countries would require militaries to protect themselves and project their capabilities and interests. While nations such as Saudi Arabia and Iraq were armed earlier, the British controlled territory of Muscat and Oman had fallen behind on this trend, notably so by the time of the Jebel Akhdar Campaign which required direct intervention on behalf of Sultan Said by the British government due to the support from other Middle East powers for the Imamate of Oman.
From this in 1958 it was agreed that the Sultanate of Muscat and Oman would require an Air Force, which would need to be built from scratch with a limited objective of providing a base to expand from and limited support against any future rebel groups (of which there would be several over the next decade, including a coup). Due to the regional financial issues and lack of modern equipment, education and infrastructure, it was decided to use relatively lighter and less complex aircraft to start the process of forming the Sultan of Omans Air Force (SOAF).
The official founding of the Air Force would be the 1st of March, 1959.
To begin training and experience building, the pilots and support would come directly from the United Kingdom, with pilots seconded from the RAF to fly for the Sultan. The initial aircraft would be a Four Scottish Aviation Pioneers which would be replaced quickly due to being unable to handle the local weather with two Four De Havilland Canada DHC-2 Beavers. These would be supporting three Hunting Percival Provost Mk.52s developed specifically for light combat duties for Rhodesia and the Oman forces.
In 1962, the Sultans extreme position and suppression caused a new rebellion to come out of the Dhofar region, this would cause the eventual coup of the Sultan by his son Sultan Qaboos, backed by the British in 1970. This would mark a major event in Omans history as the son was not the father and would push large reforms for the state and military. As part of these reforms, the very first Omani jet aircraft aquired in 1968 would be used, the BAC 167 Strikemaster Mk.82 and 82a. While still flown by British pilots these would help to tilt the rebellion back into the new Sultans favour and help to end the war. Alongside these aircraft, more air transports such as Shorts SC-7 Skyvan and helicopters were aquired allowing the Sultans forces to push deeper into the mountain areas and to work a “hearts and minds” campaign, while also cutting off supplies to the rebels from Yemen.
In 1972, there would be the famous battle of Mirbat, where a small British SAS force with limited support from the local garrison would fight against a major rebel assault on the town. Around 300 rebels would attack the outnumbered defenders, pushing close and nearing overrunning them until reinforcements arrived including air support in the form of Strikemasters, hitting the rebels and helping to break their formation. After this defeat, the rebels were unable to put a strong force into the field again and is generally seen as the end of the rebellion.
As the decade moves on, the Sultans Air Force would aquire new aircraft, the Hunter and Jaguar air frames being a major step up for their forces and would slowly move away from using only British pilots in an Omanisation effort during the 80s.
In 1990, two major events would happen for the Air force, firstly, in June it would be commanded by its first ever Omani leader, Air Vice-Marshal Talib bin Meran bin Zaman Al-Raeesi. In August, it would be renamed the Royal Air Force of Oman (RAFO).
Over the next decades the Air Force would continue to modernise, from buying Hawk trainers and light attack planes to investing in and buying F-16s and Eurofighters.
While small, the Air Force of Oman and all those who served have seen their fair share of combat and events over the years and I believe it would be a welcome addition to the events to hold a small event in honour of this force and country. I would personally recommend/suggest 1 of a couple of potential “rewards”/“tasks” that would be unique and interesting.
Firstly, a decal is always nice, there are many decales across the history of the Air Force that could be used or a unique design by Gaijin themselves perhaps. While a nice nod, I think the next suggestions would be much more interesting. I have left a link in my sources below which goes to a page with the various roundels/flashes used over the years, as the Air Force updated it several times.
A unique camo/skin/design for the Strikemaster Mk.88 in a Omani Mk.82/82a livery. The aircrafts main and most famous war was the Dhofar conflict. Perhaps linked to having to get so many kills or games in the Strikemaster itself to qualify for the skin?
Last suggestion, a Percival Provost mk.52 in Omani colours with a very light bomb/rocket load. While a unique event vehicle might be a little over the top, those who know the ability of this plane will understand the shall we say, “limitations” it would have.
Thank you for your consideration.
sources used
(RAF Museum - multiple pages of sources)
An Enduring Relationship
Oman - Restoration, Rule, Sultanate | Britannica
Different flags over the years for the Air Forces
Royal Air Force of Oman and Aircraft Markings