MUSCAT — In response to the Royal directives of His Majesty Sultan Qaboos, the Supreme Commander of the Armed Forces, regarding establishing the Technological Military College and providing the Royal Air Force of Oman (Rafo) with a number of military aircraft, Sayyid Badr bin Saud al Busaidy, Minster Responsible for Defence Affairs, signed at his office at Muaskar Bait al Falaj yesterday four agreements.
The first three agreements are related to the establishment of the Technological Military College. The agreement was signed by the CEOs of the three contractors of the project namely, Al Edrak, Larsen & Tubro and Oman Shapoorji. The three agreements include construction of the college’s building, which comprises classrooms, training and rehabilitation workshops, offices, students’ accommodations and other engineering, education and technical facilities.
The fourth agreement, signed between Sayyid Badr and CEO of EADS Company of Spain in the presence of the Spanish ambassador to the Sultanate, relates to the purchase of a number of tactical transport aircrafts and marine reconnaissance for Rafo.
The ceremony was attended by Lt Gen Ahmed bin Harith al Nabhani, Chief of Staff of the Sultan Armed Forces (SAF), Air Vice Marshal Mattar bin Ali al Obaidani, Commander of the Royal Army of Oman (RNO) and Mohammed bin Nasser al Rasbi, Under-Secretary of the Defence Ministry.
The agreements come within the Royal care and interest accorded by His Majesty the Sultan to the courageous armed forces to support their capabilities at different scientific and military specialties.
The construction of the technological military colleges comes as another step in the road for development and updating witnessed by SAF. The college will rehabilitate its affiliates to meet the future needs of the SAF and carry out its national tasks and duties under the wise leadership of His Majesty the Sultan.
The purchase of the military aircraft comes in a bid by His Majesty the Sultan to promote the capabilities and abilities of Rafo to meet the needs to play its pioneering role and carry out the national assignments delegated to it.
The technological military college, which will be based near Al Murtafa Camp will teach engineering and technical specialties including aviation engineering, weapons and vehicles systems, communication devices, radars, computers, in addition to marine and civil engineering majors. — ONA
