Military expenditures:
8.17% of GDP
(2018)
9.56% of GDP
(2017)
11.97% of GDP
(2016)
10.79% of GDP
(2015)
10.14% of GDP
(2014)
country comparison to the world (CIA rank, may be based on non-current data):
2
[see also: Military expenditures country ranks ]
Military forces:
Sultan's Armed Forces (SAF): Royal Army of Oman (RAO), Royal Navy of Oman (RNO), Royal Air Force of Oman (RAFO), Royal Guard of Oman (RGO)
(2019)
note: the Royal Oman Police Coast Guard is separate from the SAF
Military service age and obligation:
18-30 years of age for voluntary military service; no conscription
(2012)
Maritime threats:
the Maritime Administration of the US Department of Transportation has issued a Maritime Advisory (2019-012-Persian Gulf, Strait of Hormuz, Gulf of Oman, Arabian Sea, Red Sea-Threats to US and International Shipping from Iran) effective 7 August 2019, which states in part that "heightened military activities and increased political tensions in this region continue to present risk to commercial shipping...there is a continued possibility that Iran and/or its regional proxies could take actions against US and partner interests in the region;" at present, Iran has seized two foreign-flagged tankers in the Persian Gulf; the US and UK navies have established Operation Sentinel to provide escorts for commercial shipping transiting the Persian Gulf, Strait of Hormuz, and Gulf of Oman
