Identifier
Created
Classification
Origin
09MUSCAT533
2009-06-01 12:04:00
CONFIDENTIAL
Embassy Muscat
Cable title:
FIGHTER AIRCRAFT SALE NOT FINAL
how-toVZCZCXRO7308 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)
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
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