Royal Jordanian Air Force

Royal Jordanian Air Force
  • سلاح الجو الملكي الأردني
  • Silāḥ ul-Jawu al-Malakī 'al-Urdunī
Royal Jordanian Air Force emblem
Founded25 September 1955; 69 years ago (1955-09-25)
Country Hashemite Kingdom of Jordan
TypeAir Force
RoleAerial warfare, Air defense, and Counter-insurgency
Size
  • 14,000 active personnel[1]
  • 266 aircraft
[2]
Part ofJordanian Armed Forces
Air Staff OfficesTabarbour, Amman
National ColorsRed, white, black, green
       
Anniversaries25 September (Founding Day)
Engagements
WebsiteOfficial website
Commanders
Commander-in-Chief King Abdullah II
Prime Minister of Jordan Jafar Hassan
Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff Lieutenant General Yousef Huneiti
Commander of the Royal Jordanian Air Force Major General Mohammad Hyasat[3]
Insignia
Roundel
Fin flash
Ensign
Aircraft flown
AttackAir Tractor AT-802
Electronic
warfare		Cessna 208 (ISR variant), PZL M28 Skytruck (Electronic warfare variant)
FighterF-16 Fighting Falcon
HelicopterMil Mi-26, Sikorsky UH-60 Black Hawk
Attack helicopterBell AH-1 Cobra, Boeing AH-6
ReconnaissanceCessna 208 (ISR variant)
TrainerGrob G 120TP, Pilatus PC-21, Bell 505
TransportC-130 Hercules, Airbus C-295

The Royal Jordanian Air Force (RJAF; Arabic: سلاح الجو الملكي الأردني, Silāḥ al-Jaww al-Malakī al-ʾUrdunī) is the aerial warfare branch of the Jordanian Armed Forces. Founded in 1955,[4] the RJAF serves as the primary air defense organization in Jordan, with the mission of defending the nation’s airspace, providing ground support, and contributing to the broader national security strategy.[5] Its role has expanded over the years from purely defensive operations to include Peacekeeping,[6] humanitarian support,[7] and active participation in regional coalitions.[8]

Headquartered in Amman, the RJAF operates a variety of advanced fighter aircraft, helicopters, and transport aircraft, with bases strategically positioned across Jordan.[9] Since its establishment, the RJAF has undergone significant modernization efforts, enhancing its capabilities to address evolving security challenges.[10] The force also collaborates closely with international allies, including the United States[11] and several NATO countries, engaging in joint training exercises and defense partnerships.[12]

The RJAF has earned a respected position within the Middle East due to its skilled personnel and its contributions to stability and security in the region.[13] 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.[14]

  1. ^ International Institute for Strategic Studies (15 February 2023). The Military Balance 2023. London: Routledge. p. 335. ISBN 9781032508955.
  2. ^ "Royal Jordanian Air Force Inventory (2024)".
  3. ^ "Jordanian military gets new chief". Janes. 30 July 2019. Retrieved 21 September 2019.
  4. ^ "Royal Jordanian Air Force History". GlobalSecurity.org. Retrieved 5 November 2024.
  5. ^ "Jordanian Armed Forces". Jordanian Armed Forces. Retrieved 5 November 2024.
  6. ^ "Jordanian Peacekeeping Missions". International Peacekeeping Journal. 2021. doi:10.1080/13533312.2021.1881890 (inactive 21 November 2024). Retrieved 5 November 2024.{{cite journal}}: CS1 maint: DOI inactive as of November 2024 (link)
  7. ^ "Royal Jordanian Air Force: Humanitarian Operations". Royal Jordanian Air Force Official Site. Retrieved 5 November 2024.
  8. ^ "Jordan's Military Role in the Middle East". Middle East Institute. 15 July 2023. Retrieved 5 November 2024.
  9. ^ "Royal Jordanian Air Force Bases". GlobalSecurity.org. Retrieved 5 November 2024.
  10. ^ "RJAF Modernization Programs". Janes Defense. 23 August 2023. Retrieved 5 November 2024.
  11. ^ "US-Jordan Defense Cooperation". U.S. Department of Defense. 5 September 2023. Retrieved 5 November 2024.
  12. ^ "NATO and Jordan Partnership". NATO Official Website. Retrieved 5 November 2024.
  13. ^ "Jordanian Air Force in Regional Security". Center for Strategic and International Studies. 1 October 2023. Retrieved 5 November 2024.
  14. ^ "Jordan's Defense Readiness". GlobalSecurity.org. Retrieved 5 November 2024.