Early foundations and British influence (1931–1955) FB.6 illustrating the markings of the Royal Jordanian Air Force Jordan gained independence in 1946, but its first air bases were established as early as 1931 by the
Royal Air Force to protect British interests and maintain stability in the region. Initially, Jordan's air defense was limited to observation and reconnaissance, with British personnel assisting in the development of this early force. By 1948, Jordan began forming a small air unit known as the
Arab Legion Air Force (ALAF), with assistance from the RAF in terms of training and equipment. The ALAF's primary fighter aircraft was the
de Havilland Vampire, a British jet fighter, and a
Vickers VC.1 Viking was used as a VIP transport for the King of Jordan. In 1955,
King Hussein recognized the need for a more autonomous and capable air force as part of Jordan's modernization goals, officially establishing the RJAF on 25 September 1955. The same year, Jordan received its first modern training aircraft from the United Kingdom, solidifying early efforts in pilot training and technical skills. By 1958, British forces had fully departed Jordan, and the RJAF assumed complete control over the nation's airfields, marking a shift toward self-reliance.
The Six-Day War and aftermath (1960s) In the early 1960s, the RJAF expanded its capabilities with the acquisition of
Hawker Hunter aircraft for air defense, strengthening Jordan's combat abilities as regional tensions mounted. In December 1964, the RJAF engaged in a notable air combat incident over the West Bank, where four
Israeli Air Force Mirages encountered RJAF Hunters, resulting in damage to one Mirage with no Jordanian losses. The RJAF's role during the
Six-Day War in 1967 was met with severe challenges as Israeli air raids destroyed most of Jordan's aircraft on the ground, resulting in the near-total loss of the fleet. Despite these losses, the RJAF quickly began efforts to rebuild, receiving assistance from the United Kingdom, which provided additional Hunters and training support.
Modernization and regional alignments (1970s) After the heavy losses of the 1967 war, the RJAF undertook substantial modernization efforts. In the early 1970s, it acquired
Lockheed F-104 Starfighters from the United States, although these were later deemed unsuitable for Jordan's defense needs due to their high operational costs and maintenance complexity. By 1977, these were transferred to the
Pakistan Air Force, leaving the RJAF to seek alternative solutions. During this period, the RJAF also procured
Northrop F-5 Tiger jets from
Iran, as part of Jordan's strategic alliance with Iran during the Shah's reign. These aircraft became vital to Jordan's defense strategy, enabling a higher degree of regional operational capacity. Additionally, the RJAF began using
Cessna T-37 Tweets for advanced training, which helped establish a domestic pipeline for skilled pilots and technical staff. In 1975, the RJAF retired its fleet of
Hawker Hunters, transferring them to the
Omani Air Force after unsuccessful attempts to sell the aircraft elsewhere.
The Iran–Iraq War and continued upgrades (1980s) Following the
Egypt–Israel peace treaty in 1979, the RJAF embarked on further modernization efforts supported by financial aid from several Arab states. The RJAF selected the
Dassault Mirage F1 over the
General Dynamics F-16/79 to serve as its frontline fighter due to its advanced avionics and agility in air-to-air combat. During the
Iran–Iraq War, Jordan remained a regional ally of Iraq, providing training support for Iraqi pilots. The RJAF participated in joint training exercises, allowing Jordanian and Iraqi pilots to operate side-by-side in combat simulations. However, there is no confirmed evidence that RJAF personnel directly engaged in combat missions. During this period, the RJAF also acquired
Lockheed C-130 Hercules aircraft, which became instrumental in supporting Jordan's international peacekeeping missions, as well as humanitarian efforts throughout the Middle East and North Africa.
The Gulf War and resource constraints (1990s) Jordan's complex political relationship with
Iraq during the
Gulf War left the RJAF in a difficult position, as Jordan chose not to commit forces to combat. However, the aftermath of the war led to economic strains that impacted the RJAF, resulting in a shift towards modernization through upgrades rather than acquiring new aircraft. In a bid to sustain operational readiness, the RJAF sold seven of its F-5E jets to Singapore, utilizing the proceeds to fund upgrades to its remaining fleet. This included the installation of the AN/APG-67 radar, advanced fire control systems, and upgraded weapons systems, which allowed the F-5s to maintain relevance in modern air combat despite lacking beyond-visual-range capabilities. By the late 1990s, the RJAF had established itself as a capable regional air force focused on maintaining a balance between operational readiness and cost-effectiveness. Continued support from international allies, including the United States and NATO members, played a significant role in helping Jordan sustain its air defense infrastructure amid limited resources.
Modern era Following the Gulf War, the Royal Jordanian Air Force (RJAF) initiated a broad modernization program to address regional security challenges and enhance its strategic capabilities. As part of these efforts, Jordan acquired a range of transport, combat, and special operations aircraft. In the early 1990s, Jordan procured two
Airbus C-295 light transport aircraft to support logistics and tactical operations. The acquisition of several
Antonov An-32 aircraft from
Ukraine provided the RJAF with enhanced
STOL capabilities, allowing rapid transport for the
Royal Special Forces in remote or challenging environments. However, the operational status of the An-32s has been uncertain in recent years, with the focus shifting to newer models. In 1997, Jordan further enhanced its tactical airlift with the addition of a
Lockheed C-130 Hercules, critical for both domestic operations and regional humanitarian missions. To improve heavy lift and logistics capabilities, the RJAF acquired two
Ilyushin Il-76MF freighters from Russia in 2006. These aircraft have been instrumental in supporting Jordan's extensive peacekeeping missions and other international deployments. Additionally, the RJAF began to explore multi-role gunships, converting two
CASA/IPTN CN-235 aircraft into AC235 gunships in collaboration with the
King Abdullah II Design and Development Bureau (KADDB) and U.S. defense company
Orbital ATK. These gunships, equipped with advanced sensors and precision weaponry, are intended to support special operations and counter-insurgency efforts. The RJAF later explored the gunship version of the
Airbus C-295 to further expand its close air support capabilities. The Jordanian Special Operations Aviation Brigade, created to support high-priority missions, has operated
Sikorsky UH-60L Black Hawk and
MD Helicopters MD-530F helicopters for special operations and border security missions. In the late 1990s, the RJAF received two squadrons of AH-1F Cobra gunships from the U.S. Army, later transferring some to
Pakistan as Jordan transitioned to new platforms, including the
Boeing AH-6 light attack helicopter. Under the U.S. Military Assistance Program, Jordan received 18 surplus
Bell UH-1H helicopters in 1994, followed by an additional 18 in 1996. The UH-1H helicopters were subsequently transferred to the
Iraqi Air Force as Jordan moved to acquire newer platforms. In recent years, Jordan acquired eight UH-60A Black Hawks through a U.S. no-cost lease, and a further eight UH-60M Black Hawks were delivered in 2017 as part of a U.S. grant valued at $200 million. The RJAF maintains close military cooperation with neighboring air forces, providing training for
Bahraini pilots and logistical support to the
Iraqi Air Force. The RJAF also plays a critical role in joint operations with the
United States Air Force, conducting routine exercises to enhance regional interoperability and readiness. The current commander of the Royal Jordanian Air Force is
Brigadier General Jihad Al-Btoush.
Operations in Syria and regional conflicts (2014–present) The RJAF has been active in regional conflicts, notably in the fight against
ISIS and other terrorist organizations in Syria. On 16 April 2014, Jordanian fighter jets conducted airstrikes on vehicles attempting to cross from Syria into Jordan. The following September, the RJAF joined U.S.-led
Operation Inherent Resolve airstrikes against ISIS, marking Jordan's commitment to regional security. In December 2014, a Jordanian F-16 crashed near
Raqqa, Syria, resulting in the capture of the pilot, Flight Lieutenant
Moaz Youssef al-Kasasbeh, by ISIS militants. Despite diplomatic efforts, al-Kasasbeh was executed in early 2015, leading to a renewed commitment by Jordan against ISIS. On 5 February 2015, the RJAF launched intensified strikes against ISIS positions in Syria, deploying 20 F-16s in operations supported by U.S.-supplied munitions, including JDAM precision bombs. In 2015, RJAF received 16 Bell AH-1E/F Cobras from Israel IAF, further bolstering the RJAF's counterinsurgency capabilities along Jordan's borders. While active in Syria, in late 2015 the RJAF shifted some resources to support Saudi-led operations against Houthi rebels in
Yemen, although Jordan maintained a limited presence in Syria. In late January 2024, the Royal Jordanian Air Force was actively involved in a coordinated response following the
Tower 22 drone attack on a U.S. base in northeastern Jordan. This attack, attributed to an Iranian-supplied drone launched by Iranian-backed militias, resulted in the deaths of three American soldiers and injured over 40 others. The drone struck Tower 22, a logistics and support base near the Syrian border, underscoring the increasing threats posed by regional militias. On February 3, 2024, as part of the U.S.-led retaliation, RJAF F-16s joined American B-1B bombers and other aircraft in a series of airstrikes targeting strategic militia positions across Syria and Iraq. The operation, involving over 125 precision-guided munitions, was aimed at weakening the operational capabilities of the militias responsible for the Tower 22 attack. The RJAF provided air support along the Syria-Iraq border, focusing on surveillance and striking secondary targets to limit militia movements and escape routes. In Syria, the strikes targeted several high-value facilities in
Deir ez-Zor and
al-Bukamal, including weapons depots, intelligence centers, and militia command posts affiliated with pro-Iranian forces. These locations served as vital hubs for arms and personnel, enabling cross-border operations by militias. The RJAF's involvement marked its expanded role in regional counterterrorism and security efforts, signaling its commitment to supporting coalition forces against Iranian influence. RJAF's role in these strikes highlighted Jordan's expanding security alliance with the United States, reflecting a proactive stance on countering threats from Iranian-aligned militias. Analysts have noted that this operation demonstrates Jordan's strategic importance in regional security, as well as the RJAF's growing capacity to participate in complex, multilateral defense operations. In January 2026 the RJAF conducted airstrikes targeting sites belonging to ISIS terrorist group. The airstrikes were part of the International Coalition operating in Syria.
Humanitarian airlifts to Gaza (2023–present) In response to the humanitarian crisis during the war in
Gaza, the RJAF coordinated critical aid missions to deliver supplies to affected areas. As part of Jordan's commitment to supporting Palestinian civilians, the RJAF carried out multiple air drops of food, medical supplies, and essential relief items to Gaza, under challenging conditions and amidst ongoing regional conflict. This mission underscored Jordan's role in regional humanitarian assistance, with the RJAF working closely with international agencies to ensure safe passage and distribution of aid.
June 2025 Israel Iran escalation Following the
June 2025 Israeli strikes on Iran the RJAF scrambled fighter jets and activated its air defense systems to intercept Iranian drones that entered Jordanian airspace, in order to preserve its sovereignty. ==Organization==