ABU DHABI [MENL] -- Oman is negotiating with the United Arab Emirates for
aid to finance the acquisition of U.S. F-16 multi-role fighters.Gulf defense sources said Abu Dhabi has agreed in principle to finance
Oman's purchase of the warplane. Oman seeks to acquire as many as 20 F-16s
and plans an initial purchase of 12.In all, the UAE could provide Muscat with $500 million, the sources
said.The F-16s are meant to replace Oman's fleet of aging British-origin
warplanes. The sultanate has a fleet of Jaguar fighters obtained in 1977 and
upgraded five years ago. Muscat also has 12 Hawk Mk-203 warplanes.
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