Omani Typhoon weapons
 

I had naively assumed that the Omanis had opted for 'the same as the RAF' when it came to weapons, but seemingly not. This doesn't look like a UK PWII, but looks bigger than a GBU-48? Can anyone identify it?

I wonder whether they opted for ASRAAM, or IRIS-T?

In fact has anyone opted for ASRAAM, apart from the UK?

https://cimg7.ibsrv.net/gimg/pprune....ed887675a1.png
https://cimg5.ibsrv.net/gimg/pprune....0786af42f1.png
https://cimg0.ibsrv.net/gimg/pprune....13256f46b5.png

RAAF use ASRAAM.

Looks like a GBU10, but it’s been a while since I’ve been close to one

Oman was the first Typhoon export customer to order ASRAAM as opposed to the "cheaper and shorter range" IRIS-T.

My understanding is that they wanted and I assume got Paveway IV. However, the one in the photo looks a bit too fat.

3 Squadron dropped P IVs on their deployment to Oman last year "operating with both UK and Omani Joint Tactical Air Controllers and employing live Paveway IV and 27 mm strafe weapons".

Looks distinctly like GBU-10 to me.


https://cimg0.ibsrv.net/gimg/pprune....07c4e3be25.jpg

Paveway IV first RAF Release
https://cimg5.ibsrv.net/gimg/pprune....31ee789e51.jpg
Source: Eurofighter
.

Is it, though? I know it has been reported - usually in a pretty inconclusive way, but is there any actual evidence?

Yes, sorry, I meant on Typhoon. India is also an ASRAAM user.

It certainly looks too big to be a GBU-16/48. Thanks chaps!

Jacko, see page 32, BAE financial statement 2019.....

https://investors.baesystems.com/~/m...or-website.pdf

MBDA

”During 2019, MBDA secured development contracts for Enhanced Modular Air Defence Solutions in Italy and for Enforcer missile systems in Germany. Further contracts for Meteor were secured for additional tranches in France and Germany, as well as an integration contract for the South Korean KF-X fighter aircraft.

Other contract awards include ASRAAM for Typhoon in Oman and in Qatar (the latter having already ordered Meteor and Brimstone) and a number of key support contracts for both European domestic and international customers.”.......

Jackonicko
Which airbase is that Typhoon landing at?

From the background it looks like Adam Air Base.

ORAC
Thank you :-)

Orac, Almost certainly Adam, (which first time I went there was a 300 'ish yard strip!) Happy days!

What were you flying, Bill?

When the RAFO requested an FMS of weapons systems for its F-16s in 2012 it included 162 GBU-12 PAVEWAY II 500-lb Laser Guided Bombs, 162 FMU-152 bomb fuzes, 150 BLU-111B/B 500-lb Conical Fin General Purpose Bombs (Freefall Tail), and 60 BLU-111B/B 500-lb Retarded Fin General Purpose Bombs (Ballute Tail).

What has been sold to go on Oman's Typhooons seems to be very hard to find.

In an April 2019 AirforcesMonthly article on the introduction of the introduction of the Typhoon to Oman. Wg Cdr Bader Al Jabri, CO of 8 Sqn based at RAFO Adam is quoted as saying "For the RAFO, the Typhoon purchase, although for only 12 aircraft, is a significant step in our air defence capability and it will eventually introduce a step-change in our swing-role ability due to its outstanding capabilities.” The CO confirmed the Typhoons currently operate in an air-to-air role only, although they were delivered to Tranche 3 P1Eb standard, and the RAFO is planning to equip them with a variety of air-to-ground weapons, too."

https://www.key.aero/article/typhoon-over-oman
(subscription may be required)

Bill, my first and only visit to Adam was in the back of your Skyvan iirc. I was feeling pretty green after crossing the Jebal. Happy days.

SB, Yes could be uncomfortable! Good to hear you again, how is everyone?