Strategic radar upgrade under Vision 2040
The CAA has awarded Thales and Ankaa Space and Technologies a contract to design, supply, install and commission advanced air surveillance radar systems across Oman. The package centres on Thales’ latest-generation TRACSIGMA Primary Surveillance Radar, supported by two RSM NG Secondary Surveillance Radars. Together, the systems will support both civil and military airspace management and approach control, aligning with Oman’s wider Vision 2040 aviation modernisation agenda.
TRACSIGMA is a multi-mission L-band primary radar engineered to detect all types of aircraft, from drones to commercial planes, at ranges of up to 300 kilometres. It provides a high-resolution, accurate three-dimensional air picture and is designed to remain resilient against interference, including disruptions linked to windfarms. The RSM NG units complement this by improving aircraft identification and tracking, combining simultaneous Enhanced Mode S interrogations with redundant ADS-B detection. They can operate as stand-alone sensors or be co-mounted with TRACSIGMA, giving the CAA flexible deployment options across the national network.
Both radar families comply with the latest ICAO and EUROCONTROL standards and include advanced cybersecurity protections. The upgrade strengthens operational safety, efficiency and resilience across Oman’s airspace, at a time when Oman Air is expanding long-haul and regional services from Muscat and regional traffic flows through Gulf hubs remain robust. The programme is structured as a turnkey solution, covering not only sensor delivery but also construction of complete radar sites, including towers, radomes and supporting infrastructure. The first radar installation is scheduled for delivery in 2027, setting a clear implementation timeline for regulators and airlines.
In-Country Value and tech ecosystem signal
A central feature of the contract is its focus on domestic capability. Thales will work with Ankaa Space and Technologies, an Omani company active in space technologies, unmanned systems, artificial intelligence and cybersecurity. This partnership blends Thales’ global radar and air traffic management expertise with Ankaa’s local knowledge and operational presence, anchoring long-term support inside the Sultanate.
The project is expected to generate about 40% In-Country Value by localising maintenance and support services in Oman. This includes extensive knowledge-transfer and capacity-building programmes for Omani professionals, positioning local engineers and technicians at the core of the new Oman air traffic radar architecture. The deal goes beyond hardware supply and embeds skills development and lifecycle support, which aligns with Oman’s broader economic diversification drive under Vision 2040.
For Thales, the contract reinforces its presence in Oman’s defence and aerospace sector, while Ankaa steps up as a prime contractor in complex critical-infrastructure projects. For policymakers, the structure signals a preference for partnerships that combine global technology with local value creation, especially in sectors where cybersecurity, data resilience and sovereign control of infrastructure are central.
For investors, the programme is a clear indicator that demand for aerospace systems, cyber-secure airspace management and high-tech services tied to Oman air traffic radar and wider digital infrastructure is set to rise. As delivery progresses towards 2027, investors should watch for follow-on opportunities in maintenance, software, data analytics and drone traffic management that will build around this upgraded radar backbone.
