VZCZCXRO7308
RR RUEHDE
DE RUEHMS #0533 1521203
ZNY CCCCC ZZH
R 011204Z JUN 09
FM AMEMBASSY MUSCAT
TO RUEHC/SECSTATE WASHDC 0459
INFO GULF COOPERATION COUNCIL COLLECTIVE
RUEHMS/AMEMBASSY MUSCAT

C O N F I D E N T I A L MUSCAT 000533 
 
SIPDIS 
DESK PASS TO DOC JREITZE AND THOFFMAN 
 
E.O. 12958: DECL: 2019/06/01 
TAGS: EINV EINT ECIN PREL MASS MU
SUBJECT: FIGHTER AIRCRAFT SALE NOT FINAL 
 
REF: MUSCAT 365; MUSCAT 156 
 
CLASSIFIED BY: Gary A. Grappo, Ambassador, State, Embassy Muscat; 
REASON: 1.4(B), (D) 
 
¶1.  (C)  Oman apparently continues to assess whether to buy 18 
Lockheed Martin F-16s or Eurofighter Typhoons made by BAE, but in 
this case being marketed by the UK.   Press reports suggest that 
Oman has been offered 18 Eurofighters for 1.6 billion pounds 
sterling (about $2.4 billion).  Separately, Lockheed is offering 16 
F-16s. for $1.4 billion.  The Ambassador continued efforts during 
farewell calls to advocate on behalf of the F-16s and obtain 
additional information crucial to the bid process. 
 
 
 
¶2.  (C)  On May 25 the Ambassador paid his farewell call on 
Minister of National Economy and Deputy Chairman, Financial Affairs 
and Energy Resources, Ahmed  bin Abdulnabi Macki.  Minister Macki 
continues to be an F-16 supporter given the decided 
price-performance advantage over the Eurofighter (see reftels).  In 
the farewell call, the Ambassador briefed the minister on the 
latest Lockheed-provided cost data who took careful notes. 
 
 
 
¶3.  (C)  The Ambassador and Office of Military Cooperation Chief 
met with Minister Responsible for Defense Sayyid Badr Saud Al 
Busaidi on May 30.  The Ambassador raised the aircraft tender, the 
minister acknowledged the strength of the U.S.-Oman relationship 
and the advantages of the F-16.  He noted, however,  that Oman also 
enjoys good relations with the UK and that this would also be a 
factor.  He added that a decision on the purchase could be deferred 
until next year. 
GRAPPO