The Pentagon has notified Congress of a potential foreign military sale of 18 F-16s to Oman. Under a deal with an estimated total value of $3.5 billion, Oman would acquire new-build F-16 Block 50/52 aircraft and associated parts, training, and logistical support, according to the Defense Security Cooperation Agency’s Aug. 3 announcement. Among the equipment on these F-16s would be AN/APG-68(V)9 radars, joint helmet mounted cueing systems, and Sniper or “similarly capable” targeting pods, said DSCA officials. “The proposed sale will provide a significant increase in the Royal Air Force of Oman’s capability to train with US and coalition forces and augment coalition forces in a regional conflict,” they wrote. Oman currently has 12 F-16s in its inventory. In June, the US Air Force began deliveries of new F-16s to Pakistan under a separate FMS arrangement.
Air Force Changes Rules for Pregnant Aircrew—Again
April 3, 2025
The Air Force is changing its policy for pregnant aircrew, generally reverting to rules set in 2019 that barred female aviators from flying during the first trimester—or from flying in aircraft with ejection seats at all—due to potential risks to the pilot and her unborn fetus.