Muscat – The Ministry of Finance (MoF), represented by the Partnership for Development (PFD) programme, signed four agreements with the Ministry of Defence (MoD) to carry out modernisation projects of the latter and Sultan’s Armed Forces on Sunday.

Besides economic development, the agreements seek to support national industries, empower small and medium enterprises (SMEs) and provide training and job opportunities.

The agreements were signed by Nasser Khamis al Jashmi, secretary general of MoF and chairman of the Board of Trustees of PFD, and officials of the companies concerned.

The signing ceremony was attended by Mohammed Nasser al Zaabi, secretary general of MoD, officials of MoF and senior officers of MoD.

The agreements aim to implement four projects, namely the establishment of a maintenance facility for armoured personnel vehicles of Royal Army of Oman, an earth observation centre for the National Survey Authority, transfer of Hawk aircraft engine maintenance capabilities to Royal Air Force of Oman (RAFO), and supply of specialised aircraft systems for RAFO’s C130 and F16 fleet.

The maintenance facility for armoured personnel vehicles will be implemented by FNSS, a Turkey-based company. The project will help modernise armoured vehicles and reduce maintenance cost. It will also enhance efficiency and develop capabilities of local companies.

The second project – to establish an earth observation centre – will be implemented by Indra, a Spanish company. This project will enable Oman establish the first centre specialised in monitoring and analysis of earth images captured from the space. It will also contribute towards training nationals in this field.

The third project entails the transfer of Hawk aircraft engine maintenance capabilities from Rolls-Royce to RAFO. It will boost the level of competency, skills and expertise of staff and reduce engine maintenance costs.

The fourth project, implemented by US-based Lockheed Martin, will enhance aviation safety and enable efficient use of tracking systems using satellite signals.

The projects are designed with an eye on the future so that the facilities can keep pace with technology developments. These will also open opportunities for nationals, generate more jobs and enable SMEs to play a greater role in the economy.
ONA