Jordanian Armed Forces

Jordanian Armed Forces
Unit name	Jordanian Armed Forces
Native name	القوات المسلحة الأردنية
Caption	Flag of the Hashemite Kingdom of Jordan
Founded	22 October 1920
Current form	1 March 1956
Headquarters	Amman
Commander-in-chief	King Abdullah II
Minister	Bisher Al-Khasawneh
Chief of staff	Yousef Huneiti
Age	18
Conscription	Selective
Active	100,500
Reserve	65,000
Branches	Royal Jordanian Army, Royal Jordanian Air Force, Royal Jordanian Navy, Joint Special Operations Command

Jordanian Armed Forces. The military forces of the Hashemite Kingdom of Jordan, tracing their origins to the Arab Legion founded under British auspices. They are a key regional security partner, renowned for their professionalism and extensive participation in United Nations peacekeeping operations. The forces are under the direct command of King Abdullah II, who serves as the Supreme Commander.

History

The foundational element was the Arab Legion, established in 1920 by Lieutenant-Colonel Frederick Peake and later expanded by Glubb Pasha. This force played a significant role in the 1948 Arab–Israeli War, notably during the battles for Jerusalem and Latrun. Following the annexation of the West Bank in 1950 and the dismissal of British officers in 1956, the modern Jordanian Armed Forces were formally established. They participated in the Six-Day War in 1967 and the Yom Kippur War in 1973, and were instrumental in quelling Black September in 1970. Under the long reign of King Hussein, the military was modernized and became a pillar of state stability.

Structure and organization

The main service branches are the Royal Jordanian Army, the Royal Jordanian Air Force, and the small Royal Jordanian Navy based at Aqaba. Elite special operations are managed by the Joint Special Operations Command, which oversees units like the 71st Counter-Terrorism Battalion. The Royal Guard Brigade is responsible for the security of the Royal Hashemite Court and key sites in Amman. The General Headquarters in Amman coordinates all branches, with the Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff serving as the senior operational commander.

Equipment and capabilities

The army operates a mix of Western and legacy equipment, including M60A3 and Chieftain main battle tanks, and large numbers of M113 armored personnel carriers. The air force’s primary fighter fleet consists of modernized F-16AM/BM aircraft and operates from bases like King Abdullah II Air Base. Key acquisitions include AH-1 Cobra attack helicopters and Patriot missile systems for air defense. The navy utilizes patrol boats such as the *Hussein*-class for coastal security in the Gulf of Aqaba.

Role and missions

The primary mission is the defense of Jordan’s sovereignty and territorial integrity, with a strong focus on border security, especially along the frontiers with Syria and Iraq. Domestically, the armed forces support civil authorities in disaster relief and maintain internal stability. A critical and continuous role is the protection of key sites, including the Allenby Bridge crossing and the strategic Port of Aqaba. They also provide dedicated security for the holy sites in Jerusalem in coordination with the Palestinian Authority.

International cooperation and peacekeeping

Jordan is a leading contributor to United Nations peacekeeping, with thousands of troops deployed in missions such as UNAMID in Darfur and MINUSCA in the Central African Republic. It is a major non-NATO ally of the United States and participates regularly in exercises like Eager Lion. The country hosts the King Abdullah II Special Operations Training Center (KASOTC), a world-class facility for multinational counter-terrorism training. Jordanian forces have also worked closely with the international coalition against the Islamic State of Iraq and the Levant.

Training and doctrine

Officer cadets are trained at the prestigious Royal Military Academy and the Mu'tah University. The Royal Jordanian National Defense College provides advanced education for senior officers. Doctrine emphasizes joint operations, counter-insurgency, and counter-terrorism, heavily influenced by partnerships with the United States Armed Forces and the British Armed Forces. Specialized training for elite units is conducted at facilities like the Prince Hassan Air Base and the King Hussein Air College.

Category:Military of Jordan Category:Armed forces by country