Oman set to buy 20 aircraft from BAe | World news | The Guardian

One of the RAF's Typhoon fighter aircraft, 12 of which, the UK government hopes, are about to be sold to Oman. Photograph: Alastair Grant/AP

Oman is expected to sign a multibillion-pound deal to buy 12 fighter jets and eight training planes from BAE Systems on Friday, a sale that the government says will safeguard thousands of jobs in the north of England.

David Cameron is hoping to seal the deal on a visit to Oman, his second since taking office. Cameron will meet the Sultan of Oman to discuss trade and regional foreign policy challenges – including Iran, Egypt and Yemen – and then the two men will view Typhoon fighter jets at the country's Seeb airport.

Oman is expected to order 12 of the fighters, worth £2.5bn, and eight Hawk 128 training aircraft from BAE Systems.

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