An ‘Enduring Relationship’: A History of Friendship between the Royal Air Force and the Royal Air Force of Oman

16 July 2014 - 31 December 2016

Great Britain and Oman have enjoyed an enduring relationship for over 200 years that stretches back to a Treaty of Friendship in 1798. This broader relationship has been replicated in the close professional co-operation that has developed between the Royal Air Force and the Royal Air Force of Oman. It is a relationship that continues to develop into the 21st Century with the Royal Air Force of Oman’s purchase of the Eurofighter Typhoon from BAE Systems.

A row of Vickers Vincent of No. 84 Squadron at RAF Masirah in the 1930s

Formed in 1959 from a nucleus of Scottish Aviation Pioneers and Hunting Percival Provosts, and manned by Royal Air Force loan officers, the Royal Air Force of Oman (originally named the Sultan of Muscat and Oman’s Air Force) has grown into one of the most capable air forces in the Middle East. This achievement has been supported throughout by mutual respect, friendship and encouragement between the Royal Air Force and the Royal Air Force of Oman.

In a brand new exhibition, curated with the support of the Archives Division of the Royal Air Force of Oman, the Royal Air Force Museum tells the story of this enduring relationship through the experiences of officers and men, from the Royal Air Force, the Royal Air Force of Oman and British industry who have played an important part in creating a modern, professional and highly effective air force.

Former Director-General, Air Vice-Marshal (ret’d) Peter Dye and Air Vice-Marshal Yahya bin Rasheed Al Juma in front of the Museum's Omani Hunter in 2011

The RAF Museum’s Hawker Hunter FR10 gate guardian was donated in 2003 by Sultan Qaboos bin Said Al Said. It was unveiled in its current location in 2011 by the RAF Museum’s then Director-General, Air Vice-Marshal (ret’d) Peter Dye and Air Vice-Marshal Yahya bin Rasheed Al Juma, then Commander of the Royal Air Force of Oman.

The story will range from the Royal Air Force’s involvement in the Middle East from its formation in 1918 and include highlights such as the visit of Sultan Taimur bin Faisal to Royal Air Force Hendon in 1928 as the guest of the British government to watch an Air Pageant as well as the vital support offered by Oman to Great Britain during the Second World War through the purchase of Spitfires flown by the Royal Air Force.

An Appeal

The RAF Museum is interested in hearing from any RAF officers or other ranks who have served in Oman to preserve their stories. If you would like to contribute to this exciting project please contact Ross Mahoney, Aviation Historian for the Royal Air Force Museum by emailing ross.mahoney@rafmuseum.org in the first instance.