May 16 (UPI) -- The first models of the Eurofighter and Hawk trainer aircraft have been delivered to Oman in a formal ceremony. It was held by BAE Systems Air & Information division in the United Kingdom.
A delegation of more than 100 invited guests witnessed the ceremony in Warton, Lancashire. One of the key attendees was Sayyid Badr bin Saud al Saudi, Minister Responsible for Defense Affairs for the Sultanate of Oman. The ceremony included a flyover by Eurofighter Typhoon fighters of the Royal Air Force of Oman.
"We are privileged and honoured to be able to celebrate the completion of the first Eurofighter Typhoon and Hawk aircraft in the presence of the Minister Responsible for Defence Affairs and the Commander and representatives of the Royal Air Force of Oman," Chris Boardman, managing director of BAE Systems Military Air & Information, said in a press release. "BAE Systems has a long and proud history of working in Oman, which has been built over more than half a century. Today's event represents a further strengthening of that special relationship."
Oman has decided to purchase 12 Typhoon and 8 Hawk aircraft as of 2012. The first deliveries are expected to arrive later this year.
The Eurofighter Typhoon is an advanced multi-role fighter capable of air-to-air and air-to-surface missions used by 6 countries. The Hawk is a jet trainer aircraft used by 18 countries with over 1,000 sold.
"We believe that, in Eurofighter Typhoon and Hawk, Oman has added the most advanced combat jet and proven training aircraft available in the world to its military portfolio," Boardman said. "We look forward to continuing to work in close partnership with Oman's Ministry of Defence as deliveries of the first aircraft begin."
