An ‘Enduring Relationship’

Formed in 1959 from a nucleus of Scottish Aviation Pioneers and Hunting Percival Provosts, and manned by Royal Air Force loan officers, the Royal Air Force of Oman (originally named the Sultan of Muscat and Oman’s Air Force) has grown into one of the most capable air forces in the Middle East. This achievement has been supported throughout by mutual respect, friendship and encouragement between the Royal Air Force and the Royal Air Force of Oman.

In a brand new exhibition, curated with the support of the Archives Division of the Royal Air Force of Oman, the Royal Air Force Museum tells the story of this enduring relationship through the experiences of officers and men, from the Royal Air Force, the Royal Air Force of Oman and British industry who have played an important part in creating a modern, professional and highly effective air force.

The story will range from the Royal Air Force’s involvement in the Middle East from its formation in 1918 and include highlights such as the visit of Sultan Taimur bin Faisal to Royal Air Force Hendon in 1928 as the guest of the British government to watch an Air Pageant as well as the vital support offered by Oman to Great Britain during the Second World War through the purchase of Spitfires flown by the Royal Air Force.