ROYAL JORDANIAN AIR FORCE (RJAF)

ROYAL JORDANIAN AIR FORCE (RJAF)

The RJAF is currently in a phase of significant modernization, prioritizing border security and the integration of advanced multi-role capabilities like the F-16 Block 70 (Viper) and AH-6i light attack helicopters.

ROYAL JORDANIAN AIR FORCE (RJAF) • سلاح الجو الملكي الأردني
Air Force ε14,000 personnel. Strategy: Maintaining a high operational tempo for border security and counter-narcotics while transitioning to a modernized fleet of fifth-generation-capable sensor suites.

Forces by Role & Equipment by Type

• AIRCRAFT 54 combat capable.

Fighter & Fighter Ground Attack:

• 44 Lockheed Martin F-16A/V Fighting Falcon (12 additional Block 70 on order);
• 10 Air Tractor AT-802.

Special Mission (ISR / EW / Reconnaissance):

• 10 Cessna 208 (Recce);
• 10 Air Tractor AT-802 (Recce);
• 1 PZL Mielec M28 (EW).

Transport:

• 7 Lockheed Martin C-130H Hercules;
• 2 Airbus C295;
• 2 Cessna 208;
• 2 Ilyushin Il-76;
• 1 PZL Mielec M28.

Training (Fixed-wing):

• 15 Lockheed Martin F-16B Fighting Falcon;
• 14 Grob G120TP;
• 12 Pilatus PC-21;
• 2 Slingsby T67M260 Firefly.

• HELICOPTER 44 combat capable.

Attack (Helicopters):

• 44 Bell AH-1E/F Cobra;
• (On Order: 24 Boeing AH-6i Little Bird).

Transport & Multi-Role (Helicopters):

• 36 Bell UH-1H Iroquois;
• 32 Sikorsky S-70 / UH-60A/L/M Black Hawk (2 additional on order);
• 10 Airbus H135/EC635;
• 10 Airbus H215M/AS332 Super Puma;
• 4 Mil Mi-26 Halo.

Training (Helicopter):

• 12 Robinson R44;
• 10 Bell 505 Jet Ranger X;
• 1 Airbus H125/AS350.

• UNMANNED AERIAL SYSTEMS (UAS)

ISR (Light):

• Up to 10 Schiebel S-100 Camcopter.

• AIR DEFENCE

Surface-to-Air Missiles (SAM):

• 24 MIM-23B Phase III I-Hawk (2 brigades);
• Point-defense: Guided by Flycatcher radar units.

Anti-Aircraft Artillery:

• 22 40mm L/70.

• AIR-LAUNCHED WEAPONS

• Air-to-Air Missiles (AAM): AIM-9J/N/P Sidewinder (IR); AIM-7 Sparrow (SARH); AIM-120C AMRAAM (ARH).
• Air-to-Surface Missiles (ASM): AGM-65D/G Maverick; BGM-71 TOW.
• Precision Bombs: GBU-10/12 Paveway II (Laser-guided).

Note: By 2026, the RJAF has solidified its role as a key regional partner, maintaining international respect for its well-trained aircrews and special forces. The force has successfully streamlined its inventory by offering legacy platforms like the AC235, MD-530F, and Hawk Mk63 for sale to focus resources on its primary F-16 and Black Hawk wings. Strategic focus remains on border monitoring and regional stability, supported by a close bilateral defense relationship with the United States.