RAFO Musannah , is a
Royal Air Force of Oman
The Royal Air Force of Oman ( ar, سلاح الجو السلطاني عمان, Silāḥ al-Jaww as-Sulṭāniy ‘Umān or RAFO) is the air arm of the Armed Forces of Oman.
History Sultan of Oman's Air Force era
The Sultan of Oman's Air Force ...
air base located south west of
Barka,
Al Batinah South, Oman.
History
Work started on the new air base in 2005 initially with the building of a helicopter apron and hangar to the northwest of the present runway, this was followed by the construction of the runway and two concrete aprons (one to north and one to the northeast) during 2008 and 2009. Work on the southern side started during 2010 and a consisted on a large apron, hangar and additional smaller buildings. During 2012 the southern apron was extended by 25% adding two extra parking stands and another entrance to the taxiway.
Between 2009 and 2011 accommodation was built for the personnel of the new
NHIndustries NH90
The NHIndustries NH90 is a medium-sized, twin-engine, multi-role military helicopter. It was developed in response to NATO requirements for a battlefield helicopter which would also be capable of being operated in naval environments. The NH90 ...
's coming into service.
Current use
NHIndustries NH90's are based here.
During May 2015 it was announced that
No. 902 Expeditionary Air Wing RAF has deployed to the base with the
Royal Navy
The Royal Navy (RN) is the United Kingdom's naval warfare force. Although warships were used by English and Scottish kings from the early medieval period, the first major maritime engagements were fought in the Hundred Years' War against F ...
's
AgustaWestland Merlin HM.2's as part of
Operation Kipion.
References
{{Reflist
Royal Air Force of Oman