Royal Jordanian Army

Further information: Arab Legion
Royal Jordanian Army
القوّات البرية الاردنيّة

Flag of the Royal Jordanian Army
Active 1920–present
Country Jordan
Role Army
Size 90,000 Active (2012 est.)
60,000 Reserve (2012 est.)
Garrison/HQ Amman
Colors KA2 Desert Digital
KA2 Arid/Woodland Digital
KA2 SF Woodland Digital
MultiCam
Anniversaries June 10
Engagements
Commanders
Current
commander		 General Mashal Mohammad Al-Zaben

The Royal Jordanian Army (Arabic: القوّات البرية الاردنيّة, "Jordanian Ground Forces") is part of the Jordanian Armed Forces (JAF). It draws its origins from units, such as the Arab Legion, formed in the British Mandate of Transjordan in the 1920s. It has seen combat against Israel in 1948, 1956, 1967, and 1973. The Army also fought the Syrians and the PLO during Black September in 1970.

Origins - 1920–1947

Arab Revolt Tribal Cavalry – Tribes of Jordan and Arabia, c. 1918.
Arab army during the Arab revolt of 1916 against the Ottoman Empire formed the nucleus of the Arab Legion.

On 10 June 1916, Sherif Hussien Bin Ali prince of Mecca, officially declared the Great Arab Revolt against the Ottoman Empire to rid Arab nations of the Turkish rule that had lasted about four centuries.

On 21 November 1920, Prince Abdullah Bin Al-Hussien (later King) arrived at Ma'an, where he expressed his resolution to drive out the Turkish forces from Syria. Later, on 5 December 1920, he proclaimed himself as deputy king in Syria and appealed to members of the Al-Faissali army to join his forces in Ma'an. His calls received much attention in the Arab world as several prominent Arab nationalists and other Arab princes joined his campaign; these later formed the embryonic force of the Arab legion.

When Prince Abdullah came to power in the Emirate of Transjordan at that time the Jordanian Armed Forces included:

Roles of Military Formations in Jordan from the Foundation of the Emirate until the 1948 Arab-Israeli War:

Formation

Pre-1948 War

Units from Jordan's Arab Legion take part in the Victory March in London in 1946

This army started with an infantry company, cavalry company, machine guns unit, signal section and military band. In 1923, the total strength of the army, which was under the command of British Captain Frederick Gerard Peake, did not exceed 750 men.

Commander of the Arab Legion, Glubb Pasha in uniform. Amman, September 11, 1940

During 1930, the Arab Legion's strength was expanded to approximately 1,100. In 1931, a camel-mounted desert mobile force was organized under the command of John Bagot Glubb to maintain security and order.

This organization attracted numerous Bedouin volunteers. In 1933, the first mechanized force was formed. This element consisted of three vehicles and 120 men including the camel-mounted desert mobile force. It undertook the responsibility of maintaining security, preventing the raids among the tribal groups and deterring the raids from the outside.

By the eve of World War II, the legion had been expanded to a force of about 1,600 men. This legion took part in operations in Syria during the war. Independent companies were established in addition to a regular battalion, which was later expanded to become the 1st Brigade.

In 1942, the 2nd battalion was formed, which later became the 2nd Brigade. The army continued its expansion in numbers and equipment.

1948 War

In 1948, it consisted of two brigades; two garrisons and four battalions were merged to become six battalions. At this time, the army consisted of an infantry division, an artillery brigade, a mortar battery, an artillery battery, an engineer and signal battalion and a field aid unit.

After the announcement of the 1947 UN Partition Plan, and the disclosure of the British decision to leave Palestine on 15 May 1948, both warring sides (the Arabs and the Jews) began to make their military preparations for a forthcoming confrontation they believed would be inevitable.

In May 1948, the Arab countries decided to send their forces to assist the Palestinians. The Arab Legion entered Palestine with other Arab Forces on 15 May 1948 using the Allenby (King Hussein) bridge as they were advancing to cover the approaches from Jenin, in the north to Afula and from Al-Majame'a bridge on the Jordan River to Bissan and from there to Afula.

Units of the Arab Legion were engaged in several battles with the Jewish forces including the following:

1949–1967

King Hussein spared no pains at all to improve the army in terms of cadre and equipment, and in the early 1956 dismissed Glubb and Arab commanders assumed leadership posts in the army, most notably Habis Al-Majali.

In 1957, King Hussein ordered the establishment of the 4th infantry brigade and another of field artillery. In 1958, the heavy artillery was entered, In the same year, the armor brigade was recognized to become an armor division and, in 1961, it become the armour corps. During this period, the 40th Armoured Brigade, 60th Armoured Brigade and the Royal Guard Brigade were established.

Battles - 1956

On 11 September, an Israeli force infiltrated the Jordanian territories in, Al-Rahwa, Hebron sector, and attacked the police station there. After long clashes with a Jordanian unit from the Desert Guards, the Israeli force was forced to withdraw repulsed.

On 10 October 1956, an enemy force, estimated at a motorized infantry brigade, supported by medium-range artillery and 10 combat aircraft, attacked the Arab towns of Hubla, Al-Nabi Illias and Azroun. The assaulting troops fought the Arab legion west of Al-Nabi Illias and were forced to withdraw to Qalqilia hills.

Equipment 1956

Armour

Artillery

Aircraft

Kuwait - 1963

When Kuwait declared its independence on 19 June 1961, the Iraqi government announced that Kuwait was an integral part of its national territories. Following the end of Operation Vantage, the Arab league formed the Arab Emergency Force to protect Kuwait with the participation of Saudi Arabia, Egypt, Sudan, Jordan and Tunisia. The Jordanian participation included an infantry battalion reinforced by an anti-aircraft platoon and returned home on 13 December 1963.

Samu Incident - 1966

King Hussein after checking an abandoned Israeli tank in the aftermath of the Battle of Karameh.

On 13 November 1966, in response to a Fatah land mine incident two days prior, Israeli forces raided the Palestinian village of Samu (in the Muhafazat of Hebron) with an infantry brigade reinforced by two tank battalions and supported by artillery and combat aircraft. The Jordanian army suffered 16 dead, as well as material damages.

In 1965, King Hussein ordered the formation of five infantry brigades. The army was divided into two fronts: Western front and Eastern front, ten infantry battalions were concentrated on both fronts.

In 1967, a new armoured brigade was established. The artillery brigade was recognized to have consisted of three field artillery battalions and an anti-aircraft battalion.

Six Day War - 1967

Believing that Israel was a becoming more of a threat, Egypt declared a state of emergency and started to concentrate its forces in the Sinai desert. In addition to that Jordan signed a mutual defense agreement with Egypt. Consequently, Israel ordered the full mobilisation of its forces on 25 May 1967. As a result, the Arab Jordan Army was placed on maximum alert.

The operational Strengths Of Opposing Forces on the Jordanian Front included:

Arab Forces
Israeli forces opposing the Jordanian front included

When the military operations were over on both Egyptian and Syrian fronts, Israel redeployed a part of its forces from these fronts to the Jordanian front.

At 0730 hrs. on 5 June 1967 the Israelis surprised the Arab states with a series of continuous air strikes directed at Arab airfields. As a result, most of the Arab air force was neutralized.

Amid the battles in Jerusalem was the Battle of Ammunition Hill; 71 Jordanian soldiers died. Eventually the Jordanian Army was driven from East Jerusalem.

Jordanian Army Order of Battle, June 1967
Jordanian Air Force Order of Battle

Equipment of Jordanian Armed Forces, June 1967

1967–1973 War

Jordanian soldiers on a captured Israeli half-track

After the 1967 war, the army was rearmed. In 1968, the army attacked Israeli troops that had entered Jordanian territory in pursuit of Palestinian guerrillas – the Battle of Karameh. Palestinians claim a victory just for resisting Israeli troops; the Jordanians say they forced the Israelis back; the Israelis say they pulled back after hitting the Palestinians at which time they were bombed by the Jordanians.

Daily clashes continued on the Jordanian Front after 1967 war until the mid 1970s – the War of Attrition. The most famous one was the Battle of Karameh In 1968 Israeli forces crossed the border and advanced on the town of Karameh. The Jordanian army mobilized and a battle broke out between the Jordanian army and the IDF. The Israeli forces retreated after a heavy bombardment.'[8]

September 1970 is known as Black September in Arab history. In September 1970, King Hussein moved to quash an attempt by armed Palestinian insurgents to overthrow his monarchy. The violence resulted in civilian casualties on both sides. Armed conflict lasted until July 1971 ending only when remaining Palestinian insurgents were surrounded in the Ajloun-Jarash mountains, finally surrendered to the Jordan army and were expelled from the country.'[8] In October 1970 the Ba'athist regime in neighboring Syria had attempted to intervene in support of the Palestinians by sending an armored column into the north of Jordan. Jordanian ground and air forces were able to halt this advance and a combination of international political pressure and discord within the Syrian military led to a Syrian retreat.[9]

In the 1973 Yom Kippur War, the 40th Armoured Brigade was sent to the Syrian front.

After 1977

Since the major reorganisation of 1977 the Royal Jordanian Army has kept the 5th Armoured Division deployed between the Iraqi border and Ramtha on the Syrian border, the 12th Mechanized Division deployed from Ramtha through Umm Qays to the Zarqa River in a defensive posture that cover both Israel and Syria and the 4th Mechanized Division deployed from Zarqa River, north of As-Salt to the Dead Sea facing Israel. The 3rd Armoured Division acts as both the strategic reserve and the main protection against an internal disturbances. It has units deployed at Zarqa in the north; near the capital Amman along with a brigade of Royal Guards made up of hand-picked troops from Bedouin tribes known for their long-standing loyalty to the crown, and Qatraneh in the south covering the route into Saudi Arabia.

In 1996 the Jordanian Army finally established a Special Operations Command, the brain-child of Abdullah then a serving Army officer. It is tasked to deal with a possible Palestinian uprising and the growth of Islamic terrorism. This powerful force now includes the 71st and 101st Special Force Battalions, the 81st and 91st Paracommando Battalions and both electronic warfare and helicopter support units."[10]

Current Army

The army's organizational structure was traditionally based on two armored divisions and two mechanized divisions. These have been transformed into a lighter, more mobile forces, based largely on a brigade structure and considered better capable of rapid reaction in emergencies.[11][12][13]

Due to the critical position of Jordan (sandwiched between Iraq, Syria, Saudi Arabia and Israel), Jordan maintains a strong defensive army, with four regional commands, the Northern command, the Central Command, the Eastern Command and the Southern Command. As of August 2004, the army was reported to be 88,000 strong, and the Northern Command is reported to consist of (2 mech, 1 infantry, 1 artillery, 1 AD brigade), the Southern Command (1 armd, 1 infantry brigade), the Central Command (1 mech, 1 lt. inf, 1 arty, 1 AD brigade), the Eastern Command (2 mech, 1 arty, 1 AD brigade), and a strategic reserve (1 Royal armoured division with 3 armd, 1 arty, 1 AD brigades).[12][14] An armored division has become the core element of a strategic reserve.[13][15] Each command is controlled by its Field General, but all of the commands are under the King of Jordan's control.

The Army have a full range of combat and combat supporting corps, including the Royal Maintenance Corps. Today's Jordanian military ranks are based on those of the British Army, given Jordan's military heritage.

The Jordanian military also contributes to UN peacekeeping missions worldwide, having sent contingents to Africa, Afghanistan, Croatia, Bosnia, parts of the former Soviet Union, and even as far as Haiti and East Timor. The Jordanian military has established a regional center of excellence with regards to special forces training, having received training from both the United Kingdom and the United States. Jordanian Special Forces have trained counterparts from Algeria, Bahrain, Iraq, Kuwait, Lebanon, Libya, Morocco, Oman, Qatar, Saudi Arabia, UAE and Yemen.[12][13][15]

Current structure of the Jordanian Army

Commander-in-Chief

His Majesty King Abdullah II is the Supreme Commander of the Jordanian Armed Forces. This authority is vested in the king by the Jordanian Constitution of 1952. He exercises the right to appoint and dismiss all members of the High Command of Jordan's Armed forces, and has the authority to exercise command and control over all units of the armed forces.

General Chiefs of Staff

The Headquarters of Jordan's military is called the Armed Forces General Command and is located in Amman. This headquarters is under the supervision of the Chief of the General Staff, who is appointed by the king. He exercises general responsibility for the day to day command, control and administration of the military and reports directly to the king as Supreme Commander.

Chiefs of Staff is a group of officers qualified militarily and technically working to advise the commander and assist in decision-making, they translate decision of the commander to orders and instructions and they are responsible for monitoring the implementation and size varies Chiefs of Staff of the unit level and the level of formations and at the level of the General Command represents assistant chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff group Chiefs of Staff, as follows:

Army Organization

Jordanian Army has Four Regional Commands (Northern, Southern, Central and Eastern), Special Operations Command, Border Guards Command, 3rd Royal Armored Division (Strategic Reserve) and 30th Special Mission Brigade.[15]

Jordanian Army Headquarters
M113 of the Jordanian Army
Al-Hussein tanks Firing
Jordanian soldiers discuss battle strategies while a U.S. Soldier
Forward observers from the Jordanian Army
  • HQ Defense & Security Unit
  • Crisis Management Center
  • Royal Medical Services
  • Royal Maintenance Corps
  • Royal Engineering Corps :
    • Command HQ
    • 7th Armored Engineer Battalion
    • Machinery Engineering Group
    • Explosive Ordnance Disposal Unit
    • 17th Independent Engineer Company
    • Chemical Support Group
  • Royal Artillery Command:
    • Command HQ
    • SP Artillery Brigade (Reserve)
    • Acquisition and Survey Regiment (STA Regiment)
    • 29th HIMARS MLRS Battalion
    • 28th WM-120 MLRS Battalion
    • Ceremony Artillery Battalion
  • Royal Supply and Transportation Command:
    • Command HQ
    • Main Transportation Group
    • AFV Transporter Group
  • Military Ordnance Command
  • Housing and Military Works Directorate:
    • Directorate HQ
    • Military Works Groups
    • Electricity and Water Group
    • Construction Warehouses Group
    • Companies of the Directorate:
      • Arab International Company for Engineering & Contracting
      • The Summit Company to Manufacture & Develop Buildings
  • Command, control and communications Directorate:
    • Directorate HQ
    • C4I Group - Main Army HQ
    • Electronic Warfare Battalion
  • Field Air Defense Directorate
  • Military Production Directorate:
    • Directorate HQ
    • Military Presses
    • Military Production Factories
    • Military Bakery Group
    • Military Laboratories for Quality Control

Kenneth Pollack, a U.S. military analyst, wrote in c.2002 that 'from 1948 to 1956, the Arab Legion was far superior to any of the other Arab militaries. In battle, it generally gave as good as it got, and the Israelis considered it their most dangerous adversary. However, after 1956, the Jordanian capabilities began to decline. In 1967 they performed worse than in 1948, although the exceptional performance of the 40th Armoured Brigade and a number of Israeli mistakes helped disguise the deterioration somewhat. Thereafter Jordanian capabilities continued to gradually erode.'[8]

Jordanian Army OrBat 2013

Unit Summary

Number Unit Type Equipment Notes
14
 Tank Battalion Al-Hussein, M60 Phoenix, M577, M106A2 Two battalions per armored brigade, One Battalion per Mechanized Brigade. Except the 90th Mechanized Brigade which has Field Reconnaissance Battalion instead of Tank Battalion.
19
 Mechanized Infantry Battalion (APC) YPR-765, M113A2MK-1J, M577A2, M901 ITV, M106A2, Humvee, Desert Iris, FMTV, DAF Military Trucks Two or Three Battalions per Mechanized Brigade.
4
 Armored Infantry Battalion (IFV) YPR-765 pri, M113A2MK-1J, M577A2, YPR-765 prat, M106A2 One Battalion per Armored Brigade
1
 Field Reconnaissance Battalion BMP-2, Humvee, Al-Thalab, FMTV, DAF Military Trucks Subordinate to 90th Mechanized Infantry Brigade, BMP-2 to be replaced with AIFV
12
 Border Guard Battalion Humvee, Al-Thalab, Desert Iris, DAF Military Trucks Three to four battalions per Border Guard Brigade, one battalion in Central Command
3
 Special Mission Battalion (Parachute) Ratel IFV, Saxon APC, Humvee, Desert Iris, FMTV, DAF Military Trucks 15th, 16th, 20th Special Mission (Paratrooper) Battalions Subordinate to 30th Special Mission Brigade
3
 Rangers Battalion (JSOC) Humvee, Ratel IFV, Militarized Dodge RAM, Desert Iris, FMTV, DAF Military Trucks 2nd, 3rd and 111th Ranger battalions under 28th Rangers Brigade
3
 Special Forces Battalion (JSOC) Humvee, Al-Thalab, Militarized Dodge RAM, Desert Iris, GMC Suburban, AL-Jawad MKII/III, FMTV, DAF Military Trucks 61st CSAR, 71st CT, 101st SF Battalions under 37th Special Forces Brigade
2
 SF Airborne Battalion (JSOC) Humvee, Militarized Dodge RAM, Desert Iris, FMTV, DAF Military Trucks 81st Airborne under 37th SF Brigade, 91st Ranger Battalion (Airborne Orientation) under 28th Rangers Brigade
1
 Special Reconnaissance Regiment (JSOC) Al-Thalab, Desert Iris, LATV 61st SRR Tier 1 Force in JAF, under Special Royal Guard Brigade
14
 Self-Propelled Artillery M109A2 Howitzer, M113A2, M577A2, M901 ITV, M35, DAF Military Trucks One Battalion per Armored Brigade or Mechanized Brigade, Three battalions per Command Artillery or Div. Artillery (DIVART).
5
 Heavy Self-Propelled Artillery M110A2 Howitzer, M113A2, M577A2, M901 ITV, M35, DAF Military Trucks One battalion per Command Artillery or Div. Artillery (DIVART).
2
 Rocket Artillery Battalion HIMARS, WM-120 MLRS, Humvee, FMTV, DAF Military Trucks 28th MLRS, 29th MLRS Battalions
1
 Airborne Artillery Group M102A1 Howitzer, AB-19 MLRS, Hanwha-70 MLRS, W-86 Mortar Airborne Artillery group for JSOC.
1
 Target Acquisition Regiment TPQ-36, TPQ-37, M35, DAF Military Trucks
14
 Field ADA Battalion Pantsir-S1E, 9K33 Osa, Strela-10, PTRL, M163 Vulcan, ZSU-23-4 Shilka, Igla-S, 9K38 Igla, Strela-3 Three battalions per AD brigade, one battalion each in Southern Command, 30th Special Mission Brigade and a Special AD Company for JSOC.
1
 Anti-tank Battalion M901 ITV, YPR-765 prat, M41 ITAS 3rd Anti-tank Battalion in 3rd Armored Division
4
 Military Police Group Ratel IFV, Humvee, Toyota land cruiser Northern, Central, Southern, Capital Military Police Groups
6
 Engineer Battalion M113A2, M35, CEV, Armored Tracked Bulldozer (CAT D6T, D7G/R, D8R, D9, Komatsu D155A), Wheeled Bulldozer (CAT 924H, 966C/D/F/G/H, Komatsu WA300-1, WA320, WA380-3A, W470-3), excavators, graders (CAT 12G, 120M), dump trucks, Backhoe loaders, loaders, M58 MICLIC, Aardvark JSFU, M35, DAF Military Trucks, Combat Dozer UDK1 and Bomb disposal robots. One Engineer Battalion per Command or Division and the 7th Armored Engineer Battalion, except Southern Command which has Engineer Company.
6
 Supply & Transport Battalion FMTV, M35, M800 & M900 Trucks, DAF Military Trucks, Fuel Tankers, Toyota Trucks and many other vehicles. One Supply & Transport battalion per Command or Division, except Southern Command which has Supply & Transport Group.
7
 Command & Control & Communication Group M577A2, M113A2, Humvee, RG-12, DAF Military Trucks One Group per Command or Division, one Group for Army Headquarter.
6
 Medical Support Group M113A2 Ambulance, HMMWV M997 Ambulance, Toyota Land Cruiser Ambulance, Mobile Field Hospitals on trucks. One Medical Support Group per command or division .
6
 Maintenance Group M113A2, M88 Recovery Vehicle, M578 Light Recovery Vehicle, AL Monjed ARV, Chieftain ARV, YPR-806, M109 Van, M35 Trucks, M800 & M900 Trucks, DAF Military Trucks One Maintenance Group per command or division.
6
 Construction Group Wheeled bulldozer, M35, DAF Military Trucks, excavators, dump trucks, Backhoe loaders, loaders. One Construction Group per command or division and General Construction Group.
6
 Administrative Transport Group One Administrative Transport Group per command or division .
1
 AFV Transporter Group Heavy Equipment Transport System, Scammell Commander Used to transport heavy equipment and armored units.
1
 Main Transportation Groups FMTV, Fuel Tankers, Water Tankers, Toyota Trucks and many other vehicles.
1
 Electricity & Water Group
1
 Electronic Warfare Battalion
1
 Chemical Support Group
1
 Ordnance Command (Ammunition) Include 5 Battalions and Ammunition Protection Battalion.

Training

Volunteers and conscripts receive 14 weeks of basic training in military skills and discipline. This is followed by more advanced training in weaponry and various specialities, such as artillery, communications and engineering, after the recruit is assigned to a permanent unit. Soldiers who qualify for promotion undertake courses at a general NCO school. They may then avail themselves of courses in more specialised centres where there is training in armour, artillery, engineering and logistics. Special Forces personnel are trained in a branch of the infantry school.

Officer cadets are trained at the Mutah Military University, which was established in the town of Mutah, south of Amman, in the 1980s. A cadet who successfully completes the four-year course is commissioned as a second lieutenant. Advanced courses for officer training are provided at two centres near Amman - the Jordanian Staff College and the War College. Generally, officers from senior captain to lieutenant colonel attend the Staff College, where they can earn a BA degree in military science, while more senior officers study at the War College, where a master's degree is offered.

Many Jordanian officers study abroad - at the US Army General Staff College, or at the British Army Staff College, and many Jordanian cadets have graduated from the UK's Royal Military Academy, Sandhurst. Members of the Jordanian Royal Family have a tradition of attending Sandhurst. The late King Hussein graduated from the college in 1952; he was followed by his son, the present ruler King Abdullah in 1981; his daughter Aisha, now head of the Royal Jordanian Army Women's Corps, in 1987; his son Prince Ali in 1994; Crown Prince Hamzeh in 1999 and Prince Hashem, stepbrother of King Abdullah, in 2000. In addition, both officers and non-commissioned officers attend specialised courses abroad.

The British Government arranges for senior Jordanian officers to attend the Royal College for Defence Studies in the UK. Britain's special relationship with Jordan has remained strong - this was underlined by the provision by the British Army of two short-term training teams to Jordan to advise and oversee the transition and the conversion training of the Jordan Armed Forces on the Al-Hussein/Challenger 1 tanks supplied as part of Britain's military assistance to the kingdom.

British and Jordanian units regularly carry out joint training exercises in Jordan. The kingdom provides British Army units based in Cyprus with the opportunity to train in a desert environment, alongside Jordanian units. It has become a regular practice for two British Army infantry battalions based in Cyprus to exercise in Jordan every year between August and October. The US has provided significant assistance towards the training of Jordanian military personnel. Under the US International Military Education and Training Program (IMET), USD2 million was allotted to the training programme for Jordan in 2002, making it one of the largest IMET programmes of its kind in the world.

The 2002 IMET grant facilitated the training in the US of more than 200 Jordanian military personnel. Jordanian personnel are trained to a very high standard and Jordan's military training has a very high reputation in the Arab world, to the extent that many Arab states (as well as states beyond the Arab world) have sent personnel to be trained at Jordan's military schools. In recent years, personnel from the following countries have been to Jordan for military training: Bahrain, Egypt, France, Lebanon, Oman, Qatar, Pakistan, South Korea, Tunisia and the United Arab Emirates.

Secret military exchanges between Jordan and Taiwan, which had been going on for many years, were revealed in late 1999 after a Jordanian army NCO was killed in a parachute accident in Taiwan. Jordan has diplomatic relations with China but none with Taiwan. Reports in November 1999 indicated that Jordan sent two groups of about 10 servicemen to Taiwan every year for intensive military training, which included parachuting sessions in Pingtung County's Tsochou township, where the accident happened, jungle combat drills in Taichung County's mountainous Kukuan area, as well as winter training in the snow in Taiwan's Central Mountain Range. It was revealed that military exchanges between the two countries began in the mid-1950s, when Taiwan sent instructors to Jordan to help train its F-5 fighter pilots.

The quality of instructors from the Special Operations Command (SOCOM) is highly regarded abroad, especially in the Arab world. SOCOM instructors have been providing training in Jordan to special operations troops from a range of Arab countries, including Saudi Arabia, Bahrain, Qatar, Oman, Kuwait, Libya, Algeria, Morocco and Lebanon. It is understood that Jordanian instructors have also provided training in the UAE to that country's troops. In April 2002, Jordanian special operations instructors left for Yemen to assist US forces in training Yemeni forces to fight terrorism.

Jordan has set up a centre specialising in training for special operations personnel. The King Abdullah Special Operations Training Centre is based at Jajooz, Amman.

In April 2004 the Jordan Armed Forces (JAF) established a new committee to further its plans for the creation of a unified national training centre. It was proposed that this combined arms training centre would group together simulation equipment for training infantry, armour and artillery personnel, from the individual to the collective training stages.[15]

Training Areas

Current equipment

Jordanian troops in a military parade in Amman

The present day Jordanian Army is equipped with mainly Western (US and British) supplied weapons.

The Jordanian Army is equipped with a mix of British and American tanks, including the Al-Hussein, Al-Khalid and M-60 Phoenix. The older Centurion tank and M-48A5 series are phased out, as the Challenger and M-60A3 undergo further upgrades.

Current projects carried out by KADDB include integration of the Phoenix digital fire and control system and a revised turret for the M-60A3 (featuring ERA of unknown origin) along RUAG L50/52 Smooth-bore Compact Gun to replace the Rifled 120mm L15A1 and 105mm L7/M68 gun of the Challenger 1 and M-60A3 respectively. The Projects have also been offered for export and existing M-60 users such as Egypt or Saudi Arabia have shown interest in KADDB.

The M113A2MK-1J remains a standard APC and are being supplanted by AIFV and local vehicles, including the MAP II and Al-Temsah (Crocodile, an APC conversion of a Centurion tank chassis). 24-28 AH-1S/F 'Cobra' equip Army aviation and are equipped with TOW II ATGW and capable of night-time operations since been upgraded. Earlier the Bofors 40 mm gun was also used.

Personal Equipment includes the US-supplied M-16 rifles (mainly A2 and some A3/A4), M-4A1, Taiwanese T65 assault rifles and T86 carbines, Browning HP automatic pistols; however, some units utilise the relatively uncommon Beretta Italian SS70/223 (the standard carbine of the Public Security Department and Police Force). The M-60 and FN-MAG are carried as the GPMG. The Badia forces generally carry the M-14 on camel back.

Photo Name Origin Type Number Notes
Main Battle Tank
Al-Hussein  United Kingdom Main Battle Tank 392[16][17] ~ 402 [18] The Challenger 1 (Al-Hussein) is the Jordanian Army's battle proven main battle tank upgraded by KADDB.
Phoenix  United States Main Battle Tank 182[19][20][21][22][23] The M60 Phoenix[24] is a Jordanian upgrade of the M60A3 main battle tank. It was developed by KADDB. Jordan upgraded four battalions with total 182 tanks.[19][20][21][22][23]
Al-Khalid  United Kingdom Main Battle Tank 274 + 90 [18] The Khalid is essentially the Chieftain FV4030/2 MBT with minor modifications to suit Jordanian requirements, currently all in storage. Jordan received 90 captured Iranian Chieftain tanks from Iraq after Iran–Iraq War but never used.[25]
M60A1  United States Main Battle Tank 82 36 Captured from Iran during the Iran–Iraq War and transferred by Saddam Hussein to Jordan on 1980- In storage, +20 Converted to Al-Monjed A2 ARV by KADDB.
Tariq  United Kingdom Main Battle Tank 293 in storage, Some converted to MAP II Heavy Armored APC by KADDB.
Armored Personnel Carrier
M113A2MK-1J  United States Armoured Personnel Carrier +1,300 Upgraded to Jordan configuration, including 70 M106A2, 93 M901 ITV, 7 M1059 [26][27][28]
AIFV  Netherlands Armoured Personnel Carrier 213 165 YPR-765 pri.50 including YPR-806 prbrg ARV from Netherlands[18][29][30]

48 AIFV-B from Belgium[18]

ACV-S  Turkey Armoured Personnel Carrier 100
FV103 Spartan  United Kingdom Armoured Personnel Carrier 100
M577  United States Command Vehicle +300 Command vehicle based on the M113,[18] 200 M577A2 received from US in 2012.[31]
Infantry Fighting Vehicle
AIFV  Netherlands Infantry Fighting Vehicle 233 220 YPR-765 pri 25mm IFV from Netherlands[18][29][30]

13 AIFV-B-C25 25mm IFV from Belgium[18]

Ratel IFV South Africa South Africa Infantry Fighting Vehicle 341 20mm / twin gun 23mm [18][32][33]
BMP-2  Soviet Union Infantry Fighting Vehicle 35[18]
Reconnaissance Vehicle
FV107 Scimitar  United Kingdom Armoured Fighting Vehicle 175 Jordan had 75 Scimitar and obtained over 100 Scimitars in a 2006 deal that netted the British $20 million [18][34]
FV101 Scorpion  United Kingdom Armoured Fighting Vehicle 50 50 Scorpion's received from Belgium in 2001, 4x AT-14 Kornet-E Ready to launch. (Upgraded By JERSCO) [18][35][36]
Artillery
M109A2  United States Self-propelled Howitzer 341 121 M109A2-90 From Netherlands[18][29][30]
M110A2  United States Self-propelled Howitzer 120 [18]
M102A1  United States Towed Howitzer 54
M114  United States Towed Howitzer 18 in storage
HIMARS  United States Rocket Artillery 12 [18][37] 12 launchers with 432 guided missiles, option for additional 12 launchers.
WM-120 MLRS  China Rocket Artillery 24 The system has a maximum range of 120 km. (It appeared in a military drill conducted by JAF)[38][39][40][41]
AB-19  Jordan Rocket Artillery 32[42]
Hanwha-70  Jordan  South Korea Rocket Artillery 20 Hanwha-70 70mm MLRS produced by Hanwha & KADDB[18][43][44]
Air Defense
Pantsir-S1E  Russia Self-propelled Air Defense According to what Jane's Defence Weekly reported in 2007[45] a complete Russian Pantsir-S1 short-range air-defence system was being field tested in Jordan and that the kingdom is set to place an order.[46] Army-Technology reported that Jordan placed an order for an undisclosed number of systems.[47] Russia Today reported Jordan as being a customer for Pantsir-S1, and that they were likely to purchase between 50–75 combat vehicles.
9K33 Osa  Soviet Union Self-propelled Air Defense 48 Upgraded to OSA-AKM - Financed by Saddam Hussein in 1982 as reward for Jordanian volunteer unit fighting against Iran.
9K35 Strela-10  Soviet Union Self-propelled Air Defense 50 Upgraded by JELS[48] - Financed by Saddam Hussein in 1982 as reward for Jordanian volunteer unit fighting against Iran.
M163 Vulcan  United States SPAAG 181 81 VADS transferred from Belgium to Jordan in 2005
PTRL  West Germany SPAAG 60 60 have been bought from withdrawn Dutch surplus for 21 million dollars.[49][50]
ZSU-23-4 Shilka  Soviet Union SPAAG 48 [18] Financed by Saddam Hussein in 1982 as reward for Jordanian volunteer unit fighting against Iran.
Igla-S  Russia MANPADS 182 182 Dzhigit launchers (2x Igla-S) with Sagem vision on Light vehicles.
SA-18 Igla  Russia MANPADS 100
SA-16 Igla-1  Soviet Union MANPADS 240
SA-14 Strela-3  Soviet Union MANPADS 300
Light Armored Vehicle
Humvee  United States Multipurpose Utility Vehicle +600 250 M998A0 HMMWVs,[31] 50 M1165A1B3 HMMWVs [51] received from US in 2013
Desert Iris  Jordan Multipurpose Utility Vehicle 450 [52][53]
Al-Thalab (Fox) LRPV  Jordan Multipurpose Utility Vehicle 200[54][55]
MaxxPro MRAP  United States Medium Mine Protected Vehicle 100
Cougar CAT II MRAP  United States Medium Mine Protected Vehicle 149 57 Cougar CAT II, 5 Cougar CAT II EOD, 10 Cougar CAT II ENG W/O ISS, 41 Cougar CAT II Surge W/O ISS, 16 Cougar CAT II Surge with ISS and 20 Cougar CAT II ENG with ISS. (ISS: Improved Suspension)
RG-33L MRAP South Africa South Africa Medium Mine Protected Vehicle 39 39 RG-33L MRAP From US in 2012.[31]
Jeep J8  United States Light Utility & Patrol Vehicle Jordanian Armed Forces are set to receive an undisclosed number of Jeep J8 Patrol [56]
AB2 Al-Jawad  Jordan Multipurpose Utility Vehicle 65
LTATV  Jordan All Terrain Vehicle 50 KADDB has already received orders for 50 ATVs.[57][58]
Matador (mine protected vehicle) South Africa South Africa Mine Protected Vehicle 50
Ferret Hybrid  United Kingdom Wheeled Armoured Vehicle 50 Upgraded by KADDB.[59]
Mbombe  South Africa Wheeled Armoured Vehicle 0(50) On order.[60]
Anti-tank Weapon
M901 ITV  United States Tank destroyer 93 [18] Numbers of M901 ITV might be much higher than 93.
YPR-765 prat  United States Tank destroyer +55 +55 YPR-765 with Tow Under Armor (TUA) received from Netherlands [29][30]
BGM-71 TOW  United States Anti-tank missile 339 Jordan received 320 ITOW launchers in 1982 and 19 launchers in 1999.[18][61] These launchers were removed from the M151 Jeep and modified by KADDB and re-installed on Desert Iris, HMMWV.
M41 TOW ITAS  United States Anti-tank missile 285 285 M41 TOW ITAS on HMMWV received from USA in 2004 [18][62]
M47 Dragon  United States Anti-tank missile 310 3080 MAP missiles
FGM-148 Javelin  United States Anti-tank missile 192 30 CLUs with 116 missiles delivered,162 CLUs with 1808 missiles being delivered.[63][64]
AT-14 Kornet  Russia Anti-tank missile 200 2,000 missiles [18][65]
Nashab  Russia  Jordan Anti-tank missile 25,000 15,000 training units (Jordan will manufacture 60,000 Nashab units annually),[66] the system name has been changed from Hashim to Nashab.
RPG-27  Soviet Union Anti-tank missile 6,000 [67] will be replaced by Nashab
RPG-26  Soviet Union Anti-tank missile 3,000 [68] will be replaced by Nashab
APILAS  France Anti-tank missile 2,300 will be replaced by Nashab
M712 Copperhead  United States Precision-guided munitions 100 [69]
Mortar
Brandt  France Mortar 300
M29 mortar  United States Mortar 450
M106 mortar carrier  United States Mortar Carrier 70
W-86  China Mortar 200 200 W-86 120mm mortar For JSOC[70]
WW-90  China Mortar 375 375 WW-90 60mm mortar [62]
PPT89  China Mortar 1275 1275 PPT89 60mm mortar[62]
Ground Radar & Surveillance System
TPQ-36  United States Weapon Locating System 12[18]
TPQ-37  United States Weapon Locating System 6[18]
Flycatcher Mk1[71]  Netherlands Radar Fire Control System 11 Eleven Thales Nederland Flycatcher Mk1 Mobile Radar Fire Control Systems and 22 40mm Bofors L/70 guns from Netherlands.[50]
Distant Sentry [72]  Italy  United States Surveillance System Border Control System (Including Ground Radars, Towers, Sensors, IR Cameras and Aerostats)[64][73]
Logistic and Engineering Vehicle
M88 Recovery Vehicle  United States Armoured Recovery Vehicles 52 22x M88A2 purchased from the U.S. Anniston Army Depot in April 2012 (to be rebuilt and, potentially, upgraded either at Anniston Army Depot or at the King Hussein Maintenance Facility in Jordan).[74]
M578 Light Recovery Vehicle  United States Armoured Recovery Vehicles 30 used with M110A2 Howitzer
AL Monjed ARV  Jordan Armoured Recovery Vehicles 20 AL-Monjed ARV based on M-60A1 tank[75]
FV4204 ARV  United Kingdom Armoured Recovery Vehicles 49[18]
Leopard 1 ARV  West Germany Armoured Recovery Vehicles 5[50] Five Leopard 1 armoured recovery vehicles will be handed over to Jordan from Netherlands together with two Leopard 1 main battle tanks (MBT), which will be used for spare parts.[50]
YPR-806 & M806  United States Armoured Recovery Vehicles +90 [29][30] 24 M113 ARV received from Belgium in 2008 / 2010.[18] +17 YPR-806 ARV received from Netherlands in 2012.
HEMTT  United States 8x8 Off-road Heavy Cargo Truck
FMTV  United States Cargo truck 250 ~ 300 M1078, M1083, M1085A1, M1089, M1091[76][77]
M35  United States 2½ ton Cargo truck 1200 701 M35A2, 119 M35A2 WW, 226 M35A2 WOW, 50 M35A2C WOW, 74 M109A3 Van, 5 M35A2C WW, 25 M36A2 [78]
M800 & M900 Truck  United States 5 ton Cargo truck 400 ~ 600 refurbishment for M800 and M900 by JOMSS[79]
DAF Trucks  Netherlands 4 ton & 10 ton Cargo truck 467 467 DAF4440/4442 and DAF YAK/YAS2300 trucks received from Netherlands.[29][30]
M58 MICLIC  United States Mine Clearing
Aardvark JSFU  United Kingdom Mine Clearing +12 Aardvark Mk 2/3 flail
Pearson Combat Dozer UDK1  United Kingdom Combat Dozer +60 for Challenger-1 tank[80]
Heavy Equipment Transport System  United States Heavy Equipment Transport System 215
Scammell Commander  United Kingdom Scammell Commander 100
M915A2  United States Heavy Equipment Transporter 60 60 M915A2 received from US in 2012.[31]

Weapons

[99]

References

  1. ↑ Morris,2008, p. 105
  2. ↑ Gelber,2006, p. 90
  3. ↑ David Tal (31 January 2004). War in Palestine, 1948: Israeli and Arab Strategy and Diplomacy. Routledge. p. 202. ISBN 978-0-203-49954-2.
  4. ↑ "Truce commission warns Abdulla". The palestine Post. 2 May 1948. The attack on Gesher settlements...[by Transjordan]
  5. ↑ Morris,2008, p. 132
  6. ↑ Morris,2008, p. 230
  7. ↑ Morris,2008, p. 332
  8. 1 2 3 Kenneth Pollack, Arabs at War, Council on Foreign Relations/University of Nebraska Press, 2002, p.355
  9. ↑ John Keegan. World Armies. p. 684. ISBN 0-333-17236-1.
  10. ↑ [Ctrl] Jordanian King Totally Sells Out To U.S
  11. ↑ "Defense & Security Intelligence & Analysis: IHS Jane's - IHS". janes.com. Retrieved 9 December 2014.
  12. 1 2 3 http://www.gloria-center.org/meria/2001/06/bligh.pdf
  13. 1 2 3 http://orbat.com/site/cwa/2010/asia/west%20asia/jordan.pdf
  14. ↑ IISS Military Balance 2004–2005, p.127-128
  15. 1 2 3 4 http://ihracat.ssm.gov.tr/TR/Documents/sofex2008/Mart%202008_%20Turkiye%20Urdun%20SSI%20Bilgi%20Notu.PDF
  16. ↑ Challenger 1994-2004 Report
  17. ↑ BBC NEWS | UK | Politics | Jordan to receive UK tanks
  18. 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 14 15 16 17 18 19 20 21 22 23 24 Trade Registers
  19. 1 2 M60A3 Main Battle Tank - Army Technology
  20. 1 2 Raytheon Company : Investor Relations : News Release
  21. 1 2 Raytheon wins US$ 50 mill contract to upgrade Jordan's M60 tanks - ArabianBusiness.com
  22. 1 2 Raytheon To Upgrade Jordanian M60 Fire Control System.(Raytheon Aircraft Co.) - Defense Daily | HighBeam Research
  23. 1 2 Article: Raytheon wins $64.8 million contract to upgrade Jordanian M60 main... | AccessMyLibrary - Promoting library advocacy
  24. ↑ M60 Phoenix Main Battle Tank | Military-Today.com
  25. ↑ "Iraq Gives Captured Iranian Arms to Jordan". Los Angeles Times. Retrieved 9 December 2014.
  26. ↑ Archived March 9, 2012 at the Wayback Machine
  27. ↑ UD to Upgrade M113 Tracked Vehicles for Jordanian Armed Forces | Army & Land Forces News at DefenceTalk
  28. ↑
  29. 1 2 3 4 5 6 Netherlands Sells Army Vehicles to Jordan
  30. 1 2 3 4 5 6 Army materiel to be delivered to Jordan | Ministry of Defence
  31. 1 2 3 4 Archived November 15, 2012 at the Wayback Machine
  32. ↑ Ratel Raw Report
  33. ↑ Rattel
  34. ↑ Alvis FV107 Scimitar - Armed Reconnaissance Vehicle - History, Specs and Pictures - Military Tanks, Vehicles and Artillery
  35. ↑ jresco.com
  36. ↑ jresco.com
  37. ↑ Artillery: Jordan Gets Its Smart Rockets
  38. ↑ Russia said the international market, China began to sell WM-120 multiple rocket launchers | Military of China, force comment
  39. ↑ Defense & Security Intelligence & Analysis: IHS Jane's | IHS
  40. ↑ 中国外贸型WM-120多管火箭炮
  41. ↑ 约旦大赞我WM-120火箭炮 称其为战略武器 – 铁血网
  42. ↑ Defense & Security Intelligence & Analysis: IHS Jane's | IHS
  43. ↑ "S. Korea to Sell Multiple Rocket Launchers to Jordan". Korea Times. Retrieved July 28, 2013.
  44. ↑ 70mm Multiple Rocket System MRS Hanwha Corporation Indo Defence 2010 South Korea Korean Defence UK - Army Recognition
  45. ↑ Jane's Defence Weekly, janes.com
  46. ↑ "Pantsyr S1 Close Range Air Defence System - Army Technology". army-technology.com. Retrieved 9 December 2014.
  47. ↑ Russiatoday.com
  48. ↑ http://www.jels-tech.com/images/pdf/short_range_air_defense.pdf
  49. ↑ Jordanië koopt overtollige tanks - NOS Nieuws
  50. 1 2 3 4 Dutch Cheetah air defence guns sold to Jordan - News - Shephard
  51. ↑ "Vehicles shipped in support of coalition partner mission". January 14, 2012. Retrieved July 23, 2013.
  52. ↑ Defense & Security Intelligence & Analysis: IHS Jane's | IHS
  53. ↑ Desert Iris 4x4 light multi role utility wheeled vehicle technical data sheet specifications picture - Army Recognition - Army Recognition
  54. ↑ Defense & Security Intelligence & Analysis: IHS Jane's | IHS
  55. ↑ Al-Thalab Long-Range Patrol Vehicle - Army Technology
  56. ↑ "SOFEX 2010: Jordan to receive Jeep 18 ISVs and J8s". May 13, 2010. Retrieved July 28, 2013.
  57. ↑ KADDB unveils light ATV - SOFEX 2012 | IHS Jane's
  58. ↑ KADDB and KIG participation at SOFEX 2012 | Al Bawaba
  59. ↑ Ferret
  60. ↑ Jordan armed forces to sign a contract for production of 50 Mbombe armoured fighting vehicles - Armyrecognition.com, 8 May 2014
  61. ↑ Jordan Raw Report [Missiles & Munitions]
  62. 1 2 3 Jordan Raw Report [Guns & Air Defense Systems]
  63. ↑ Javelin
  64. 1 2 "Jordan – JAVELIN Guided Missile Systems" (PDF). Defense Security Cooperation Agency. Retrieved July 28, 2013.
  65. ↑ Kornet
  66. ↑ Eurasian Development Bank :: News of the Region :: RPG-32 Hashim plant due to be opened in Jordan in May 2012 – official
  67. ↑ RPG-27 Raw Report
  68. ↑ RPG-26 Raw Report
  69. ↑ Defense & Security Intelligence & Analysis: IHS Jane's | IHS
  70. ↑ KADDB starts work on vehicle-mounted mortar
  71. ↑ Thales
  72. ↑ DRS Technologies
  73. ↑ Jordan’s JBSP Border Security Program
  74. ↑ Jordanian visitors choose recovery vehicles for overhaul | Article | The United States Army
  75. ↑ Defense & Security Intelligence & Analysis: IHS Jane's | IHS
  76. ↑ BAE to display combat vehicles at Jordan show
  77. ↑ BAE Systems Receives $6 Million US Army Contract for FMTV Trucks for Jordan
  78. ↑ results
  79. ↑ M800 & M900
  80. ↑ Defense & Security Intelligence & Analysis: IHS Jane's | IHS
  81. ↑ Jane's Special Forces Recognition Guide, Ewen Southby-Tailyour (2005) p. 446.
  82. ↑ 中華民國軍方證實國造T86步槍及T91步槍銷往約旦(T86 & T91 sold to Jordan confirmed by ROC army) (Chinese (Taiwan))
  83. ↑ 中華民國軍方證實國造T86步槍及T91步槍銷往約旦(T86 & T91 sold to Jordan confirmed by ROC army) (Chinese)
  84. 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 Jones, Richard D. Jane's Infantry Weapons 2009/2010. Jane's Information Group; 35 edition (January 27, 2009). ISBN 978-0-7106-2869-5.
  85. 1 2 Jones, Richard D.; Ness, Leland S., eds. (January 27, 2009). Jane's Infantry Weapons 2009/2010 (35th ed.). Coulsdon: Jane's Information Group. ISBN 978-0-7106-2869-5.
  86. 1 2 3 4 5 6 Shea, Dan (Spring 2009). "SOFEX 2008". Small Arms Defense Journal, p. 29.
  87. ↑ Jones, Richard D.; Ness, Leland S., eds. (January 27, 2009). Jane's Infantry Weapons 2009/2010 (35th ed.). Coulsdon: Jane's Information Group. ISBN 978-0-7106-2869-5.
  88. ↑ Daniel Watters. "The 5.56 X 45mm: 2007". Retrieved March 25, 2009.
  89. ↑ Daniel Watters. "The 5.56 X 45mm: 2008". The Gun Zone. Retrieved 2009-01-27.
  90. 1 2 3 Special Operations Report -Spotlight Jordan
  91. ↑ Gander, Terry (2006). Jane's Infantry Weapons 2006–2007. London: Jane's Information Group. p. 22. ISBN 0-7106-2755-6.
  92. ↑ Archived May 18, 2012 at the Wayback Machine
  93. ↑ Special Operations Report - Spotlight Jordan
  94. ↑ The Viper
  95. ↑ "Modern Firearms". guns.ru. Retrieved 9 December 2014.
  96. ↑ Gale, Ivan (1 July 2008). "Five companies to watch for". The National newspaper. Retrieved 2010-06-21.
  97. ↑ Kasler, 79
  98. ↑ Diez, Octavio (2000). Armament and Technology. Lema Publications, S.L. ISBN 84-8463-013-7.
  99. ↑ SER_08.pdf — www.sipri.org

External links

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