Oman records region's top increase in military spending: 51 percent

http://www.geostrategy-direct.com/geostrategy-direct/secure/2013/04_24/3.asp

 

Oman records region's top increase in military spending: 51 percent

LONDON — Oman registered the sharpest increase in defense spending in 2012.

The Stockholm International Peace Research Institute reported increased military spending throughout the Middle East. The institute said the largest percentage increase worldwide in 2012 was by Oman.

The Royal Omani Air Force's C130J-30 Super Hercules military transport aircraft.

"The largest percentage increase worldwide in 2012 was by Oman — a 51 percent rise," the institute said.

In a statement on April 15, the institute said Oman was followed by Saudi Arabia, which increased defense spending by 12 percent. The two countries were joined by other Gulf Cooperation Council states, including Qatar and United Arab Emirates.

Over the last year, Oman has ordered or received offshore patrol vessels, anti-tank guided missiles and fighter-jets. Muscat was said to deploy the most professional military in the six-member GCC.

"We are seeing what may be the beginning of a shift in the balance of world military spending from the rich Western countries to emerging regions, as austerity policies and the drawdown in Afghanistan reduce spending in the former, while economic growth funds continuing increases elsewhere," Sam Perlo-Freeman, director of SIPRI's Military Expenditure and Arms Production Program, said.

The Swedish institute also reported a sharp increase in military spending in North Africa. Overall, defense budgets in such countries as Algeria and Morocco rose by 7.8 percent amid military modernization programs.

"Military spending in the Middle East rose by 8.4 percent rise in 2012," the institute said. "Only the Middle East and North Africa increased their rate of military spending between 2003-2009 and 2009-2012."