Oman’s new billion dollar fleet
The recent naming of the fourth and final Al Ofouq patrol vessel destined for the Royal Navy of Oman (RNO) represents the end phase of one of the most comprehensive fleet rejuvenation programmes in the GCC region.
From a 1960s fleet of wooden dhows and the odd patrol vessel, the pre-rejuvinated Omani navy (pictured above) sourced its naval assets mainly from the West in order to meet its requirements. Fast forward to 2016 and surface assets are coming from all corners, at an expense of approximately $1.4 billion and counting.
What is noticeable is the increase in capability provided as
Our news & analysis is now part of Defence Insight®
A Basic-level or higher Defence Insight subscription is now required to view this content.
More from Naval Warfare
-
![SOF Week 2026: US Navy USV completes record eight-day autonomous mission]()
SOF Week 2026: US Navy USV completes record eight-day autonomous mission
The MARTAC T38 Devil Ray USV has set a new endurance benchmark as the US Navy pushes deeper into autonomous maritime warfare.
-
![A closer look at the US Navy’s $268 billion investment in shipbuilding by 2031]()
A closer look at the US Navy’s $268 billion investment in shipbuilding by 2031
The recently released USN 2026 Shipbuilding Plan anticipates the procurement of 185 crewed and uncrewed platforms in the next five years.
-
![SAHA 2026: Turkey markets modular undersea systems to European buyers]()
SAHA 2026: Turkey markets modular undersea systems to European buyers
Turkey’s defence industry is pushing a class of platform and building an entire philosophy of cost-imposition around it.
-
![STM’s European wins strengthen Turkey’s naval credibility on the continent]()
STM’s European wins strengthen Turkey’s naval credibility on the continent
Turkish defence and engineering company STM is attempting to challenge Europe’s established naval primes by winning contracts from Portugal to Pakistan – with a business model built on working in any shipyard in the world.
