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Defence Realm

                In December 1996, following the promulgation of the Basic Statue of the State , the Defence Council  was established  by Royal Decree. The Council is chaired by His Majesty the Sultan and its members  include the heads of the three Services  and Inspector-General of Police & Customs. His Majesty Sultan Qaboos , who is the supreme Commander of the Armed Forces and Royal Oman Police (ROP) , has given high priority to their development  and modernisation to provide a  protective shield for the Country's achievements and to preserve peace and stability in a troubled region. In the early 70's the Armed Forces faced a major conflict in the south Oman. After a  long and arduous  struggle  the war was finally won in december 1975 by the professionalism of the Armed Forces. This historic victory brought unity, social harmony and development  where it had not  previously existed. Although Oman at present no longer faces any serious internal or external threat , the modernisation and training  of the Armed Forces continues. At the same time  defence spending has been confined to the purchase of essential equipment to ensure combat readiness and a deterrent capability.

The Sultans Armed Forces (SAF)

               The Sulatan's  Armed Forces with their high standard of training and modern equipment, have become a formidable defensive shield  for the peace , security and stability of the Sultanate. Their Professionalism has gained for them the respect of the Omani people and their  brother states of the GCC. There is never a shortage of skills and proficiency to the defence of their country. Young Omanis consider it an honor to serve in the SAF.

The Royal Army Of Oman (RAO)

               The RAO consists of the three teeth arms-infantry, armour and artillery with supporting services. There are eight infantry regiments, including the Parachute Regiment and Special Forces. They are supported by heavy and medium artillery. the armoured units have Challenger-2 tanks and armoured car. Close support is given by Engineer and Signal Units. Officer cadets are trained at the Sultan Qaboos Military Academy , while senior officers from all three services attend the Staff College or go on overseas defence courses. high priority is given to training at all levels. The SAF take part in the annual GCC exercise 'Peninsula Shield'

The Royal Air Force Of Oman (RAFO)

               The RAFO is equipped  with Hawk & Jaguar fighters , as well as Strike master ground attack  aircraft , helicopters and c130 transport planes. Training is carried out at the Sultan  Qaboos Air Academy on Masirah Island and there is also the  Technical Air College where maintenance crews are trained. Joint  exercises are carried out every year with other branches of the SAF , as well as with the air forces of the GCC states. These include Saqr al Jazira (Peninsula Hawk) in September 1998. In addition to its operational role , the RAFO performs sea reconnaissance operations , monitors and the Omani coastline and carries out rescue and anti-pollution missions. It also provides a service to and from the remote and rugged mountainous areas. Its transport aircraft have  been used on several occasions to ferry humanitarian aid to  international emergencies.

The Royal Navy Of Oman (RNO)

               The creation of the RNO has revived Oman's seafaring traditions. The RNO is responsible for the defence of the Sultanate's coastline and territorial waters. It also monitors international shipping in the Strait of Hormuz - the gateway to the Gulf. The RNO has its main naval base at Wudam on the Batinah coast. It is equipped with missile firing gunboats , corvettes and landing craft. It trains with RAO in combined operations and takes part in the annual 'Asad al-Bahr' fleet man oeuvres and live firing exercises.

The Royal Guard Of Oman (RGO)

               The RGO was formed to provide an escort and protection to His Majesty. It is a corps d' elite  which is trained both for combat and ceremonial duties. The  Royal Guard regiment was  expanded to a brigade in 1981 and was subsequently  given the title the Royal Guard Of Oman. It is now an integrated and highly trained division of  the Sultan's Armed Forces with it's support units and training establishments.

Internal Security

               The Royal Oman Police (ROP) : The Rop's role in providing internal security and other services to the public is no less important than the part played by the SAF in defending the nation. the sense of  security and stability built up over the last thirty years has been a vital element in the development and prosperity of the Sultanate. This is due in no small part to the fact that the ROP  has been developed into a world-class police force. The Rop trains its personnel to the highest standrds of the proficiency and has ensured that it has  the modern equipment  needed to carry out its duties efficiently. It  recruits  include young Omanis with university ,post-graduate and other higher qualifications. Omani women have also proved their worth in the ROP.

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