Jordan air force confirms delivery of first F-16 block 70 fighter jets

Roya News

6 days ago

Commander of the Royal Jordanian Air Force (RJAF), Brig. Gen. Mohammad Fathi Al-Hiyasat, confirmed that Jordan received two F-16 Block 70 fighter jets from Lockheed Martin, with 12 more expected to arrive at a later date, adding that the RJAF will be equipped with a total of 16.
In remarks to Roya's 'Helwa Ya Donya', Hiyasat stated that existing aircraft are also being upgraded with advanced navigation systems.
In February 2024, the Air Force received two UH-60M Black Hawk helicopters, as part of a plan to acquire eight by 2026–2027.
In December 2023, a new simulated flight training squadron was inaugurated at the Muwaffaq Al-Salti Air Base, under royal patronage, to enhance pilot performance, Hiyasat continued.
And to improve aerial transport, the RJAF acquired three C-130 aircraft equipped with Roll-On/Roll-Off (RORO) capability, with three more expected from the United States next year.
It also received six "Little Bird" helicopters, with six others undergoing upgrades to support ground forces.
Additionally, four 'Cessna C-208EX Grand Caravan' reconnaissance aircraft were introduced last year, boosting aerial surveillance capabilities.
Hiyasat said that the Air Force has integrated unmanned aerial systems capable of flying 24-hour missions along border areas, transmitting real-time images to command centers.
A new UTM (Unmanned Traffic Management) system was acquired to manage drone operations within Jordanian airspace.
Air defense systems have also been enhanced with electronic jamming capabilities and 30mm anti-drone cannons.
The RJAF added two new Air Tractor aircraft for firefighting operations, capable of deploying quickly anywhere in Jordan or to Mediterranean nations in need.
Hiyasat highlighted significant advancements made under King Abdullah II's leadership, particularly in RJAF's operational readiness, training standards, and integration of modern defense technologies.
He said that the Air Force is a cornerstone of national defense and benefits from close oversight by the King, the Crown Prince, and the Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff to ensure the highest level of professionalism.
Humanitarian and Relief Missions
The RJAF continues to play a vital humanitarian role, providing aid to Syria and Turkey after the earthquakes, assisting Lebanon following the Beirut Port explosion, and supporting Libya after devastating floods.
The Air Force has also evacuated Jordanians, including patients and the injured, from crisis zones worldwide.
Gaza support
In response to royal directives, RJAF has conducted 126 air missions into Gaza, delivering food and medical aid across the enclave.
Sixteen GPS-guided aircraft have conducted precise airdrops to support Jordan's field hospitals in Gaza, while 53 cargo flights have delivered aid to Egypt's Al-Arish Airport for onward transport into Gaza.