Royal Jordanian Air Force

TheRoyal Jordanian Air Force(RJAF; Arabic: سلاح الجو الملكي الأردني,Silāḥ al-Jaww al-Malakī al-ʾUrdunī) is the aerial warfare branch of theJordanian Armed Forces. Founded in 1955,the RJAF serves as the primary air defense organization inJordan, with the mission of defending the nation’s airspace, providing ground support, and contributing to the broader national security strategy.Its role has expanded over the years from purely defensive operations to includePeacekeeping,humanitarian support,and active participation in regional coalitions.
Headquartered inAmman, the RJAF operates a variety of advancedfighter aircraft,helicopters, andtransport aircraft, with bases strategically positioned across Jordan.Since its establishment, the RJAF has undergone significant modernization efforts, enhancing its capabilities to address evolving security challenges.The force also collaborates closely with international allies, including theUnited Statesand severalNATOcountries, engaging in joint training exercises and defense partnerships.
The RJAF has earned a respected position within theMiddle Eastdue to its skilled personnel and its contributions to stability and security in the region.With a focus on training and technological advancement, the RJAF continues to enhance its readiness and operational capabilities, representing a critical component of Jordan’s defense infrastructure.
To Protect and Defend the Sovereignty and Integrity of the Hashemite Kingdom of Jordan.
TheRoyal Jordanian Air Force (RJAF)is dedicated to safeguarding Jordan’s airspace and supporting both national defense and humanitarian missions. Over the years, the RJAF has broadened its role to include regional assistance, humanitarian airlifts, and international peacekeeping efforts. The following outlines the key components of the RJAF’s mission, extended responsibilities, and recent involvement in humanitarian operations.
The RJAF’s mission includes essential support roles beyond its core defense responsibilities. These tasks encompass:
The RJAF has played an increasingly active role in peacekeeping and humanitarian assistance. Despite limited resources, Jordan has committed its air force to peacekeeping operations and humanitarian missions across various continents. In 1994, the RJAF began participating in United Nations airlift operations, supporting Jordanian troops on peacekeeping assignments. As of recent years, the RJAF has logged over 200 flight hours in peacekeeping support worldwide.
Jordan gained independence in 1946, but its first air bases were established as early as 1931 by theRoyal Air Forceto protect British interests and maintain stability in the region.Initially, Jordan’s air defense was limited to observation and reconnaissance, with British personnel assisting in the development of this early force. By 1948, Jordan began forming a small air unit known as theArab Legion Air Force(ALAF), with assistance from the RAF in terms of training and equipment. The ALAF's primary fighter aircraft was thede Havilland Vampire, a British jet fighter, and aVickers VC.1 Vikingwas used as a VIP transport for the King of Jordan.
In 1955,King Husseinrecognized the need for a more autonomous and capable air force as part of Jordan’s modernization goals, officially establishing the RJAF on 25 September 1955.The same year, Jordan received its first modern training aircraft from the United Kingdom, solidifying early efforts in pilot training and technical skills. By 1958, British forces had fully departed Jordan, and the RJAF assumed complete control over the nation’s airfields, marking a shift toward self-reliance.
In the early 1960s, the RJAF expanded its capabilities with the acquisition ofHawker Hunteraircraft for air defense, strengthening Jordan's combat abilities as regional tensions mounted.In December 1964, the RJAF engaged in a notable air combat incident over the West Bank, where fourIsraeli Air ForceMirages encountered RJAF Hunters, resulting in damage to one Mirage with no Jordanian losses.The RJAF’s role during theSix-Day Warin 1967 was met with severe challenges as Israeli air raids destroyed most of Jordan’s aircraft on the ground, resulting in the near-total loss of the fleet.Despite these losses, the RJAF quickly began efforts to rebuild, receiving assistance from the United Kingdom, which provided additional Hunters and training support.
After the heavy losses of the 1967 war, the RJAF undertook substantial modernization efforts. In the early 1970s, it acquiredLockheed F-104 Starfightersfrom the United States, although these were later deemed unsuitable for Jordan’s defense needs due to their high operational costs and maintenance complexity. By 1977, these were transferred to thePakistan Air Force, leaving the RJAF to seek alternative solutions.
During this period, the RJAF also procuredNorthrop F-5 Tigerjets fromIran, as part of Jordan’s strategic alliance with Iran during the Shah’s reign. These aircraft became vital to Jordan’s defense strategy, enabling a higher degree of regional operational capacity.Additionally, the RJAF began usingCessna T-37 Tweetsfor advanced training, which helped establish a domestic pipeline for skilled pilots and technical staff.In 1975, the RJAF retired its fleet ofHawker Hunters, transferring them to theOmani Air Forceafter unsuccessful attempts to sell the aircraft elsewhere.
Following theEgypt–Israel peace treatyin 1979, the RJAF embarked on further modernization efforts supported by financial aid from several Arab states. The RJAF selected theDassault Mirage F1over theGeneral Dynamics F-16/79to serve as its frontline fighter due to its advanced avionics and agility in air-to-air combat.
During theIran-Iraq War, Jordan remained a regional ally of Iraq, providing training support for Iraqi pilots. The RJAF participated in joint training exercises, allowing Jordanian and Iraqi pilots to operate side-by-side in combat simulations. However, there is no confirmed evidence that RJAF personnel directly engaged in combat missions.During this period, the RJAF also acquiredLockheed C-130 Herculesaircraft, which became instrumental in supporting Jordan’s international peacekeeping missions, as well as humanitarian efforts throughout the Middle East and North Africa.
Jordan’s complex political relationship withIraqduring theGulf Warleft the RJAF in a difficult position, as Jordan chose not to commit forces to combat. However, the aftermath of the war led to economic strains that impacted the RJAF, resulting in a shift towards modernization through upgrades rather than acquiring new aircraft.In a bid to sustain operational readiness, the RJAF sold seven of its F-5E jets to Singapore, utilizing the proceeds to fund upgrades to its remaining fleet. This included the installation of the AN/APG-67 radar, advanced fire control systems, and upgraded weapons systems, which allowed the F-5s to maintain relevance in modern air combat despite lacking beyond-visual-range capabilities.
By the late 1990s, the RJAF had established itself as a capable regional air force focused on maintaining a balance between operational readiness and cost-effectiveness. Continued support from international allies, including the United States and NATO members, played a significant role in helping Jordan sustain its air defense infrastructure amid limited resources.
Following the Gulf War, the Royal Jordanian Air Force (RJAF) initiated a broad modernization program to address regional security challenges and enhance its strategic capabilities. As part of these efforts, Jordan acquired a range of transport, combat, and special operations aircraft.
In the early 1990s, Jordan procured twoAirbus C-295light transport aircraft to support logistics and tactical operations. The acquisition of severalAntonov An-32aircraft fromUkraineprovided the RJAF with enhancedSTOLcapabilities, allowing rapid transport for theRoyal Special Forcesin remote or challenging environments.However, the operational status of the An-32s has been uncertain in recent years, with the focus shifting to newer models.In 1997, Jordan further enhanced its tactical airlift with the addition of aLockheed C-130 Hercules, critical for both domestic operations and regional humanitarian missions.
To improve heavy lift and logistics capabilities, the RJAF acquired twoIlyushin Il-76MFfreighters from Russia in 2006. These aircraft have been instrumental in supporting Jordan’s extensive peacekeeping missions and other international deployments.Additionally, the RJAF began to explore multi-role gunships, converting twoCASA/IPTN CN-235aircraft into AC235 gunships in collaboration with theKing Abdullah II Design and Development Bureau(KADDB) and U.S. defense companyOrbital ATK. These gunships, equipped with advanced sensors and precision weaponry, are intended to support special operations and counter-insurgency efforts.The RJAF later explored the gunship version of theAirbus C-295to further expand its close air support capabilities.
The Jordanian Special Operations Aviation Brigade, created to support high-priority missions, has operatedSikorsky UH-60L Black HawkandMD Helicopters MD-530Fhelicopters for special operations and border security missions. In the late 1990s, the RJAF received two squadrons of AH-1F Cobra gunships from the U.S. Army, later transferring some toPakistanas Jordan transitioned to new platforms, including theBoeing AH-6light attack helicopter.
Under the U.S. Military Assistance Program, Jordan received 18 surplusBell UH-1Hhelicopters in 1994, followed by an additional 18 in 1996. The UH-1H helicopters were subsequently transferred to theIraqi Air Forceas Jordan moved to acquire newer platforms.In recent years, Jordan acquired eight UH-60A Black Hawks through a U.S. no-cost lease, and a further eight UH-60M Black Hawks were delivered in 2017 as part of a U.S. grant valued at $200 million.
The RJAF maintains close military cooperation with neighboring air forces, providing training forBahrainipilots and logistical support to theIraqi Air Force. The RJAF also plays a critical role in joint operations with theUnited States Air Force, conducting routine exercises to enhance regional interoperability and readiness.The current commander of the Royal Jordanian Air Force isBrigadier GeneralMohammad Hyasat.
The RJAF has been active in regional conflicts, notably in the fight againstISISand other terrorist organizations in Syria. On 16 April 2014, Jordanian fighter jets conducted airstrikes on vehicles attempting to cross from Syria into Jordan.The following September, the RJAF joined U.S.-ledOperation Inherent Resolveairstrikes against ISIS, marking Jordan's commitment to regional security.
In December 2014, a Jordanian F-16 crashed nearRaqqa, Syria, resulting in the capture of the pilot, Flight LieutenantMoaz Youssef al-Kasasbeh, by ISIS militants. Despite diplomatic efforts, al-Kasasbeh was executed in early 2015, leading to a renewed commitment by Jordan against ISIS.On 5 February 2015, the RJAF launched intensified strikes against ISIS positions in Syria, deploying 20 F-16s in operations supported by U.S.-supplied munitions, including JDAM precision bombs.
In 2015, Israel transferred 16 Bell AH-1E/F Cobras to Jordan, further bolstering the RJAF’s counterinsurgency capabilities along Jordan’s borders.While active in Syria, in late 2015 the RJAF shifted some resources to support Saudi-led operations against Houthi rebels inYemen, although Jordan maintained a limited presence in Syria.
In late January 2024, the Royal Jordanian Air Force  was actively involved in a coordinated response following theTower 22 drone attackon a U.S. base in northeastern Jordan. This attack, attributed to an Iranian-supplied drone launched by Iranian-backed militias, resulted in the deaths of three American soldiers and injured over 40 others. The drone struck Tower 22, a logistics and support base near the Syrian border, underscoring the increasing threats posed by regional militias.
On February 3, 2024, as part of the U.S.-led retaliation, RJAF F-16s joined American B-1B bombers and other aircraft in a series of airstrikes targeting strategic militia positions across Syria and Iraq. The operation, involving over 125 precision-guided munitions, was aimed at weakening the operational capabilities of the militias responsible for the Tower 22 attack. The RJAF provided air support along the Syria-Iraq border, focusing on surveillance and striking secondary targets to limit militia movements and escape routes.
In Syria, the strikes targeted several high-value facilities inDeir ez-Zorandal-Bukamal, including weapons depots, intelligence centers, and militia command posts affiliated with pro-Iranian forces. These locations served as vital hubs for arms and personnel, enabling cross-border operations by militias. The RJAF's involvement marked its expanded role in regional counterterrorism and security efforts, signaling its commitment to supporting coalition forces against Iranian influence.
RJAF’s role in these strikes highlighted Jordan’s expanding security alliance with the United States, reflecting a proactive stance on countering threats from Iranian-aligned militias. Analysts have noted that this operation demonstrates Jordan’s strategic importance in regional security, as well as the RJAF’s growing capacity to participate in complex, multilateral defense operations.
In response to the humanitarian crisis during the war inGaza, the RJAF coordinated critical aid missions to deliver supplies to affected areas. As part of Jordan’s commitment to supporting Palestinian civilians, the RJAF carried out multiple air drops of food, medical supplies, and essential relief items to Gaza, under challenging conditions and amidst ongoing regional conflict.This mission underscored Jordan’s role in regional humanitarian assistance, with the RJAF working closely with international agencies to ensure safe passage and distribution of aid.
Through these operations, the RJAF continues to fulfill its dual mission of national defense and regional support, showcasing its versatility and commitment to both security and humanitarian principles.
The Royal Jordanian Air Force has a strength of 14,000 active personnel.It contains six major airbases in addition to nineteen air squadrons, fourteen I-Hawk Batteries, and two training schools (a fighter aviation training school and a school of air combat). The Royal Jordanian Air Force Headquarters is at King Abdullah I Airbase in Amman.
Over the years, theRoyal Jordanian Air Force(RJAF) has operated a variety of aircraft that have since been retired from active service. These aircraft contributed significantly to training, combat, transport, and reconnaissance missions, and reflect the development of the RJAF’s capabilities over time. Notable retired aircraft include:
Fighter and Combat aircraft:
Training and Liaison aircraft:
Transport and Utility aircraft:
Helicopters:
Several of these retired aircraft, including the de Havilland Vampire, de Havilland Dove, and others, have been preserved in museums across Jordan, such as the Royal Tank Museum and the RJAF Museum, celebrating Jordan's aviation history and the RJAF’s heritage.
TheRoyal Jordanian Air Forcehas been on a dynamic journey of modernization, acquiring new aircraft, phasing out older models, and pushing forward with advanced upgrades to maintain an edge in the region. Here’s a timeline of RJAF’s recent strategic advancements and milestones:
On 24 July 2019, the RJAF Commander, Major GeneralYousef Huneiti, received a significant promotion to serve as the Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff of the Jordanian Armed Forces, underscoring his valuable contributions to Jordan's military.Brigadier General Zaid Al-Najrish was appointed as the new Commander of the RJAF, with a commitment to continue the path of professionalism established by his predecessor.
On 3 March 2020, news broke that the RJAF had shifted its plans from upgrading older F-16s to procuring the latestF-16 Block 70/72models. The RJAF aimed to replace its aging fleet with these state-of-the-art fighters featuring advanced radar, enhanced avionics, and extended capabilities.
In September 2020, the RJAF began working closely with theU.S. Air Force’sAir Force Life Cycle Management Center(AFLCMC) atWright Patterson Air Force Basein Ohio on a study for the Block-70 operational upgrade program.
On 28 July 2021, the RJAF unveiled its upgradedF-16 MLU(Mid-Life Upgrade) fighters, which have been enhanced to MLU levels 5 and 6.5. This upgrade is approximately equivalent to the capabilities of theF-16C/D Block 50/52series, equipping the jets with advanced munitions likeGBUbombs,JDAMkits,AAM, andASMweapons, as well as targeting and reconnaissance pods. The Ministry of Defense showcased the RJAF pilots training on these upgraded aircraft.
Following these upgrades, on 14 November 2021, it was announced that the latest F-16 MLU 6.5 fighters were painted with Glass V Paint, a radar-absorbent coating designed to enhance the aircraft’s stealth capabilities. This paint is part of Jordan's strategy to bolster the survivability of its F-16 fleet in a high-threat environment.
On 3 February 2022, theUnited States Department of Stateauthorized a potential Foreign Military Sale of up to 16F-16 C/D Block 70aircraft to Jordan, valued at approximately $4.21 billion. This includes a mix of 12 single-seat F-16Cs and four twin-seat F-16Ds, along with 21 F100 engines (with five spares) and additional systems and armament.
As part of its long-term modernization strategy, in January 2023, the RJAF confirmed the phased retirement of older aircraft types while prioritizing the F-16 Block 70 deliveries expected to begin in late 2024. The Block 70, known for itsAESAradar and advanced avionics, will bring a significant boost in both air-to-air and air-to-ground combat capabilities.
In March 2024, the RJAF unveiled its enhanced fleet readiness, stating that it had increased operational training hours in preparation for the arrival of the Block 70s.
The RJAF’s modernization continues into November 2024, with the first batch of F-16 Block 70s anticipated by year’s end. This acquisition will cement Jordan’s air superiority role in the region, equipping it with a versatile fighter capable of handling modern threats across a range of mission profiles.
The Royal Jordanian Air Force is headed by the Commander. The chiefs of the RJAF are as follows: