Oman has sent an indication to the UK Government that it will buy Eurofighter Typhoon aircraft for its Royal Air Force.
A spokesman for British Prime Minister Gordon Brown spokesman said the Gulf state had indicated an intention to purchase the jets, according to Reuters.
Oman began talks with BAE Systems to buy 24 Typhoons worth at least £1.4bn (US$2.13bn) as far back as 2008.
If the deal is finally signed it will give a boost to the Eurofighter project, which has faced uncertainty with European nations not willing to buy the full number of jets they signed up for.