United States–Jordan Military Partnership

Unlike some Middle Eastern states with fluctuating ties to Washington, Jordan’s military alliance with the U.S. has remained remarkably steady. As one of the largest recipients of U.S. military aid, Jordan plays a pivotal role in counterterrorism, intelligence-sharing, and regional stability. U.S. forces operate from Jordanian air bases, assisting in missions against ISIS and Iranian-backed militias, while Amman’s highly trained special forces make Jordan a valuable partner in regional counterinsurgency operations.

History and Strategic Context

Early U.S. Military Assistance (1950s–1990s): The U.S. has supported Jordan’s military since the 1950s, strengthening its air force, border security, and counterinsurgency capabilities. During the 1991 Gulf War, Jordan served as a key U.S. diplomatic and military partner in managing regional security challenges.
Post-9/11 Counterterrorism Expansion (2001–2015): Jordan became a critical U.S. base for counterterrorism operations in Iraq and Syria, hosting U.S. special forces and intelligence units.
Defense Cooperation Agreement (2021): Renewed the legal framework for U.S. military operations in Jordan, expanding joint exercises and defense technology cooperation.

Key Defense Agreements and Initiatives

Major Non-NATO Ally (MNNA) Status (1996): Grants Jordan priority access to U.S. military financing, arms sales, and counterterrorism coordination.
Defense Cooperation Agreement (DCA) (2021–Present): Allows U.S. troops, aircraft, and equipment to be stationed in Jordan. Enhances bilateral intelligence-sharing and cyber defense.
Foreign Military Financing (FMF) and Security Assistance: The U.S. provides over $425 million annually in military aid to Jordan. Key arms sales include F-16 fighter jets, Black Hawk helicopters, and advanced missile defense systems.
Joint Military Exercises and Training:
- Eager Lion: The largest multinational military exercise in the Middle East, led by Jordan and the U.S.
- Joint Special Forces Training: U.S. special operations personnel work closely with Jordan’s Counterterrorism Battalion and Royal Special Forces Brigade.
- Border Security Programs: U.S. military technology helps monitor Jordan’s borders against terrorist infiltration from Syria and Iraq.

Key U.S. Military Installations and Cooperation Areas

Muwaffaq Salti Air Base (Azraq): Hosts U.S. and coalition air operations against ISIS and regional threats.
King Abdullah II Special Operations Training Center (KASOTC): A U.S.-funded counterterrorism training hub for Jordanian and allied forces.
Jordan Armed Forces (JAF) Modernization: U.S. assistance enhances Jordan’s air defense, armored forces, and cyber warfare capabilities.

Strategic Significance

Counterterrorism Hub: Jordan is a key partner in U.S. operations against ISIS and other extremist groups in the region.
Regional Stability Role: Helps balance Iranian influence, Syrian instability, and Israeli-Palestinian tensions.
U.S. Force Projection in the Middle East: Jordan’s strategic location allows the U.S. to conduct operations in Iraq, Syria, and the Persian Gulf.
Bilateral Intelligence and Cybersecurity Collaboration: Jordan provides valuable intelligence-sharing on terrorist movements and cyber threats in the region.

Links

U.S.-Jordan Defense Cooperation Agreement (2021)
Jordan’s Major Non-NATO Ally Status
Eager Lion Military Exercises