offensive and had no casualties. In 2001, Oman hosted a large contingent of the British Army, which held Exercise Saif Sareea II (in which 12500 members of the SAF also participated). The stated aims of the exercise were to practise rapid deployment and test equipment in severe conditions. Present day Since the defeat of the Dhofar insurgents, the likelihood of internal strife caused by poverty or tribal dissension has steadily decreased as a result of the increasing standards of living, and the provision of public health and education. Tension on Oman's western border has lessened since the establishment in 1990 of the Republic of Yemen. Oman includes the tip of the Mussandam Peninsula in the Persian Gulf, which may be significant in future conflicts in the region. The army has steadily decreased its dependence on British and other foreign assistance, and increased its degree of mechanisation, although emphasis on light infantry operations remains; as part of their training, soldiers repeat the SAS ascent of the Jebel Akhdar in 1959. The Navy is one of the most modern in the region, and the Air Force is respected. In any future major regional conflict, Oman may be able to rely on support and aid from Britain and the United States. Equipment The army is qualitatively superior to that of many neighbouring countries except Saudi Arabia and Iran, with one regiment of British-built Challenger 2 main battle tanks and the other slightly larger regiment of M60 (predominantly M60A3s) MBTs rounding out Oman's sole armoured brigade. Oman recently received 174 Piranha light armoured vehicles and over 80 VBL scout cars from France to further strengthen military capabilities. In terms of artillery, in the 1990s, Oman received G6 155 mm howitzers from South Africa, and Oman's anti-tank capabilities are to be greatly strengthened by the soon-to-be-delivered 100 Javelin missiles from the United States. On a troop level, Oman's armed forces are frequently trained and briefed by the regular British Army, including the elite Special Air Service (SAS). The primary assault rifle of the Omani army is the Austrian Steyr AUG rifle, with some special task units using M-16 and M-4 variants, plus many other small arms varieties. Air Force Equipment References The Sultan’s Armed Forces mentioning the Royal Air Force of Oman Sources Warlords of Oman, by Philip Allfree, 1967, Barnes Desert Warrior, by HRH Khaled bin Sultan, 1995, Harper Collins, Military of Oman Military