27 January 2014
US firm strikes $1.28bn missile system deal with Oman
PressTV

A National Advanced Surface-to-Air Missile Systems (NASAMS) AMRAAM missile is being launched from a high mobility launcher. (File photo)

Major American defense contractor Raytheon has concluded a contract worth USD 1.28 billion with Oman to provide the Arab country with National Advanced Surface-to-Air Missile Systems (NASAMS).

The deal includes ground support equipment, a full training package and technical assistance, Raytheon said in a statement.

The contract for the NASAMS was awarded during the fourth quarter of 2013, but has been announced recently at a signing ceremony in Muscat with Secretary General of Oman’s Ministry of Defense Mohamed bin Nasser al-Rasby, Commander of the Royal Air Force of Oman Vice Marshal Matar bin Ali al-Obaidani, US Ambassador to Oman Greta C. Holtz, and Chief Operating Officer of Raytheon Thomas Kennedy in attendance.

“The Sultanate of Oman’s competitive selection of Raytheon’s National Advanced Surface-to-Air Missile System (NASAMS) validates the superior performance, system adaptability and overall security that NASAMS provides,” Dan Crowley, the president of Raytheon Integrated Defense Systems (IDS), said.

“Raytheon is committed to delivering the exceptional defense capabilities of NASAMS to Oman,” he added.

The NASAMS, developed by Raytheon and Norwegian company Kongsberg Defense & Aerospace AS, includes sensors, command and control and communications equipment along with missile launchers.

The system employs AIM-120 Advanced Medium Range Air-to-Air Missile (AMRAAM) as its primary weapon; but other missiles, such as the AIM-9X Sidewinder and RIM-162 Sea Sparrow, can also be integrated.

The NASAMS is operationally deployed in the United States, Spain, Finland, the Netherlands and Norway.