Omani defence spending will fall, despite Gulf risks

Subject

Oman’s military preparedness.

Significance

The United States and Oman are undertaking an expansion of US basing facilities in Oman’s southern airfields and ports, placing US forces further from Iran’s missiles. Compared with Gulf neighbours, Oman is arguably better at training military personnel and maintaining equipment. However, its neutral foreign policy means its actual fighting power remains untested.

Impacts

• Muscat will not seek multi-billion-dollar defence deals but instead upgrades and small fleet replacements.
• Oman will prepare less for threats from traditional adversaries and more from other Gulf states.
• Some fleet replacements will be rationalised, combined and partially substituted with drones.