Oman's order for the Hawk is also particularly significant, following the order for 22 examples from Saudi Arabia earlier this year to fulfill that country's future aircrew training needs. The orders come at the same time that BAE is proposing the Hawk to fulfill the USAF's future jet trainer T-X training requirement.

Oman's Typhoon and Hawk order is just part of a major re-capitalization of the country's armed forces with renewal in the transport, helicopter and fast-jet fleets. When the aircraft arrive, the Typhoons will supplement a fleet of 12 Lockheed Martin F-16C/D Fighting Falcons. In recent weeks, Oman also has requested a $117 million package of weaponry for those aircraft, including Raytheon-made AIM-120 Amraams, GBU-12 Paveway IIs, WCMD and other ordnance systems.