The government of Oman began talks last week to purchase 12 Typhoon fighter aircraft from the British defense company BAE Systems . . . the aircraft will be completed within three years of Oman signing a contract . . . the government of Oman first announced its interest in purchasing the Eurofighter Typhoon aircraft for its Air Force in 2010 . . . the Typhoon program also involves companies in Germany, Italy, and Spain . . . the aircraft has been sold to Austria and Saudi Arabia . . . BAE Systems cut 3,000 jobs in its military aircraft division last September, citing reduced demand during the weak global economy . . . Oman also ordered 12 F-16s from Lockheed Martin last month in a $600 million deal . . . Oman is working to expand its air force in order to be more effective in its counterterrorism efforts . . . Oman is also concerned about rising tensions in the Gulf due to threatening Iranian behavior and rhetoric over the last year.