Multiple deals signed in 2015 to boost Oman's defence capabilities

Muscat: Oman has enhanced its security and defence capabilities in 2015 with a string of deals with international companies.
The Omani Authority for Partnership for Development (OAPFD) recently signed five Partnership for Development (PFD) agreements with foreign companies in 2015.
In a statement to Times of Oman, an official of OAPFD said that the purpose of the agreements is to assure that these companies are aware of the Royal Decree and they will apply PFD programme. “The PFD programme aims to achieve the objectives of the authority which are to diversify the national economy, enhance the military and security capabilities, strengthen the private sector and promote human resource development and knowledge transfer in Oman,” it said.
The first agreement was signed with USA Company Raytheon, a major defence contractor and industrial corporation with core manufacturing in weapons and military and commercial electronics.
The second agreement was with the Finnish company Marine Alutech, a leading designer and manufacturer of fast patrol boats in Northern Europe.
In the recent months OAPFD has signed agreements with two more US companies; Bell Helicopters Textron Inc., a leader in aircraft industry and Lockheed Martin International, one of the world's premier companies in the aerospace, defence, security and technology industry.
The fifth PFD Agreement was signed with the Turkish Company, FNSS Savunma Sistemleri A.S., a leading manufacturer and supplier of tracked and wheeled armored combat vehicles and weapon systems.
The five companies have expressed full readiness to cooperate with OAPFD to support and consolidate the strategic, economic coperation.
The Board of Trustees of the Omani Authority for Partnership for Development (OAPFD) held its first meeting in 2016 under the Chairmanship of Dr. Ali bin Masoud bin Ali Al Sunaidy, the Minister of Commerce and Industry.
The CEO of OAPFD, Dr.Dhafir Al Shanfari reviewed 2015 annual report focused on the Authority’s achievements and 2016 plan centred on organisational set up matters, PFD program implementation process and current and future expected projects.
During the meeting OAPFD lunched their new website (www.oapfd.om) in line with the Omani government's drive to enhance e-government through the Digital Oman Initiative. OAPFD Website was created in collaboration with the Innovation and Support Center of Information Technology Authority (ITA). The website is an important communication gateway between the Authority and the local Units who should apply the Program and foreign contractors and suppliers.