Jordanian Armed Forces

The Jordanian Armed Forces (JAF) (Arabic: القوات المسلحة الأردنية, romanized: Al-Qūwāt Al-Musallaḥah Al-Urduniyya) are the military forces of the Hashemite Kingdom of Jordan. They include the ground forces, air force, and navy. The King of Jordan is the Supreme Commander of the Jordanian Armed Forces and makes decisions based on the advice of the Defence Minister.

The first organized army in Jordan was created on 22 October 1920, called the "Mobile Force," with only 150 men. Three years later, in 1923, it was renamed the Arab Legion and grew to 1,000 men. By 1946, when Jordan became independent, the Arab Legion had about 8,000 soldiers. In 1956, King Hussein made changes to the army's leadership and renamed it the "Jordanian Arab Army."

The Jordanian Armed Forces have been involved in many important events and wars. They fought in several conflicts, especially against Israel. In the 1948 Arab–Israeli War, they played a key role. Later, they were part of other battles such as the Six-Day War, the War of Attrition, and the Yom Kippur War. Today, the Jordanian Armed Forces are known for being well-trained, organized, and equipped, and they are respected in the region.

History

Further information: Royal Jordanian Army § Formation

See also: Arab Legion, Desert Force, Transjordan Frontier Force, and Arabization of the Jordanian Army command

Jordan's first organized army was created on October 22, 1920. It was called the "Mobile Force" and had 150 soldiers. It was led by a British captain named Frederick Peake. Three years later, in 1923, the force grew to 1,000 people and was renamed the Arab Legion.

In 1939, a British officer named John Bagot Glubb, known as Glubb Pasha, became the leader of the Arab Legion. He led until 1956 when British officers were dismissed. In 1956, King Hussein of Jordan replaced British leaders with Jordanian leaders. The Arab Legion was renamed the Jordanian Armed Forces. This change helped Jordan become more independent from Britain and improved its relationships with nearby countries.

Jordan still celebrates this important change every March 1.

In February 2026, Jordan brought back a rule requiring young men to serve in the army after it had been stopped for over 30 years.

On the first day of the 2026 Israeli–United States strikes on Iran, the Jordanian army stopped 13 missiles that were fired from Iran.

Structure and objectives

Main article: Royal Jordanian Army § Current structure of the Jordanian Army

See also: Royal Jordanian Army, Royal Jordanian Air Force, and Royal Jordanian Navy

The Jordanian Armed Forces are made up of three main parts: the army, the air force, and the navy. They are led by the King of Jordan, who makes decisions based on advice from the Defence Minister.

The main goals of the Jordanian Armed Forces are to protect the borders of the Kingdom of Jordan, keep people safe inside the country, and protect the King of Jordan.

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Royal Jordanian Army Order of Battle (OrBat) 2020

Special Operations Forces

Main article: Joint Special Operations Command

These special forces were created on April 15, 1963, by order of the late King Hussein. Their jobs include finding information, helping in emergencies, and protecting important places. The King Abdullah II Special Forces Group can also attack very important enemy targets. These forces are trained to work far from their base for a long time without extra help, and they are known for being very skilled.

They are supported by the Sheikh Mohammed bin Zayed (MbZ) Quick Reaction Force (QRF) Brigade, which can respond quickly and move easily to protect Jordan, whether inside or outside the country, whenever needed.

Defense industry

Main article: Jordan Design and Development Bureau

Jordan started its own defense industry recently with the creation of the King Abdullah Design and Development Bureau (now Jordan Design and Development Bureau) in 1999. This initiative aims to help grow the country's industries in many areas. Jordan spends a lot on defense, about 8.7% of its total money, and this industry helps use those funds to support the economy without needing extra money from the government.

Jordan also holds an event called SOFEX, which is a big show for special operations and safety services. Jordan provides advanced military products and help to other countries. In September 2009, a big industrial area called KADDB Industrial Park opened in Mafraq. This park focuses on making defense tools, vehicles, and machines. It is expected to create many jobs and bring in a lot of investment.

Peacekeeping

The Jordanian Armed Forces have been very active in helping with United Nations peacekeeping missions. Jordan is one of the top countries in the world for joining these missions. Since 1989, Jordan has sent around 61,611 soldiers and officers to places like Angola to help keep peace and support people in need. From 1993 to 1996, Jordan was also one of the biggest helpers in the former Yugoslavia, sending over three thousand troops.

At a big meeting in Copenhagen, Jordan shared plans to help fight climate change. This included updating its army by 2020, such as improving old vehicles and using technology that saves energy.

International assistance

The Jordanian Armed Forces help keep the country safe, but they also play an important role around the world. They give help and training to other countries in need. Recently, they worked with a charity to send rescue supplies, tents, medical aid, and food to Syria and Turkey after a big earthquake in 2023.

Medical services

Jordan has sent special field hospitals to places facing hard times, like Iraq, the West Bank, Lebanon, Afghanistan, Haiti, Indonesia, Congo, Liberia, Ethiopia, Eritrea, Sierra Leone, and Pakistan. These hospitals have helped over a million people in the West Bank and thousands more in Lebanon.

In 2010, a new Jordanian field hospital arrived in Gaza to continue helping local people there.

Police and military training

Jordan has helped train Iraqi troops and police after a big change in their country. They have also started training police in Libya to help build stronger ties and support peace there.

Actions against drug smuggling

Technological & strategic measures

The Jordanian military has stopped many drones carrying illegal drugs, showing they are working hard to protect their airspace. Since 2023, they have also carried out airstrikes in southern Syria to target places where illegal drugs are made and sold. This is done with help from intelligence and military teamwork.

Bilateral and regional cooperation

On January 7, 2025, Jordan and Syria agreed to create a joint security group to fight against threats like arms and drug smuggling. This is important because their border has been a place where illegal activities happen. The group will share information, patrol the border together, and stop smuggling networks. In February 2025, Syria's leader visited Jordan and promised to work on stopping drug trafficking and making the border safer. This visit showed that both countries want to work together to fight crime and threats from extremist groups.

Key interceptions & clashes

February 7, 2024

On this day, there was a fight along the border. One Jordanian guard was hurt during the event.

December 7, 2024

Jordanian forces stopped big attempts to smuggle drugs. One attempt used a drone, and another tried to sneak in by land. The smugglers ran away, and the drugs were taken.

March 2025

Border forces fought with armed smugglers trying to come from Syria. During this, drugs and weapons were taken by Jordanian forces.