Latest news with #RJAF
Roya News
26-05-2025
- Politics
- Roya News
Jordan air force confirms delivery of first F-16 block 70 fighter jets
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.
Jordan Times
05-02-2025
- General
- Jordan Times
JAF flies 14 helicopters with aid to Gaza
The aircraft carry 15 tonnes of humanitarian and relief supplies, in cooperation with the Jordan Hashemite Charity Organisation and several partner countries (Photo by Ahmad Khatatneh) AMMAN, GAZA — As part of Jordan's ongoing efforts to deliver aid to the Gaza Strip, 14 helicopters departed from King Abdullah II Air Base on Tuesday, transporting critical supplies as part of the air bridge established last week. The aircraft carried 15 tonnes of humanitarian and relief supplies, in cooperation with the Jordan Hashemite Charity Organisation and several partner countries, bringing total aid to about 100 tonnes that were ferried to the Kosovim site in Gaza's Al Qarara area and delivered to those in need in the Strip, according to a Jordan Armed Forces–Arab Army (JAF) statement. The JAF reiterated its commitment to continuing the delivery of humanitarian and medical aid through the air bridge, expediting the transport of critical supplies, particularly medical treatments and equipment, to Gaza. Since the launch of the air bridge, 86 Jordanian aircraft, alongside 9 Italian helicopters, have contributed to this vital operation, demonstrating international cooperation in response to the crisis. The Jordan Times accompanied the Royal Jordanian Air Force (RJAF) on this mission, providing a firsthand look at the operation and the efforts involved. The operation began at precisely 10:13am when the Black Hawk helicopters took off, carrying a crew of six: four from RJAF and two from the JAF Special Forces. As the helicopters soared over the landscape, the personnel onboard were focused on the important task ahead—delivering essential supplies to Gaza. After one hour of flight, the helicopters made a refuelling stop at Ghor Assafi at 11:00 am. This brief pause allowed the helicopters to ensure they were prepared for the rest of the journey ahead. The team remained in high spirits, knowing that each step was bringing them closer to providing much-needed relief to those in Gaza. By 12:00 pm, the helicopters had arrived at the Kosovim site in Gaza's Al-Qarara area, where they successfully delivered the humanitarian aid. The site was abuzz with activity as the supplies were offloaded and quickly distributed to those in need. Following the successful delivery, the helicopters made their way back for another refuelling stop before continuing their return journey to King Abdullah II Air Base, arriving at 13:44 pm.
