UK to increase training in Oman

The UK Ministry of Defence (MoD) has revealed plans to increase its training commitments in Oman by a third during 2016, as part of a move to increase partnerships in the Gulf region.

Britain deploys on average 34 short terms training teams to Oman each year, but this year that number will rise to 45.

The teams will play a key role in training Omani troops on a range of core skills including crisis management, combat response training for medical teams, and training engineers in the use of vital equipment.

The UK will also consider options for a permanent training facility in the country.

A number of exercises will be conducted in the country, including a four day maritime exercise focussing on sea mine threats and a six week land exercise to train Omani troops on how to operate in a mountainous environment.

The announcement came as Defence Secretary Michael Fallon met with Omani Minister Responsible for Defence Affairs to discuss mutual defence interests and gain an insight into regional issues including the conflict in Yemen. 

Fallon said: ‘Oman is our friend. We are working more closely than ever with them across military, counter-terrorism and intelligence fields to tackle shared threats to stability.’