The United States of America has approved Jordan's request to acquire 12 F-16C Block 70 combat aircraft, along with military equipment represented by a radio targeting pod, and associated ammunition components, including guided missile tail assemblies.
As Jordanian military analysts told Arabi21, these aircraft are considered more advanced than the conventional F16s (A.B.D), and they are fifth-generation fighters capable of destroying air defenses and combat missions in the air, as well as the ability to target from long distances.
Achieving deterrence
Retired Major General Mamoun Abu Nowar told Arabi21 that "these C-class planes are ahead of the D-class planes owned by Jordan, and the best generations of the F-16 dominated because they have advanced radar, electronic systems and great capabilities in air and ground combat." These capabilities are important for any air force to achieve deterrence, and cover any potential threats in the future.”
Abu Nowar believes that providing Jordan with this advanced type comes “to confront the Iranian threat in the region and fight terrorism, as Jordan is a partner that must be granted appropriate deterrence, with conditions Not to be used against America's allies in the region."
Who will fund this deal?
The US State Department announced that the aircraft deal is fully funded by the US government through the Foreign Military Financing grant. The Department of Political and Military Affairs in the ministry said in a tweet via "Twitter" that this deal, which amounts to $ 4.21 billion, aims to invest in strengthening a vital partner for the United States.
.@StateDept authorizes a proposed Foreign Military Sale #FMS to #Jordan for their purchase of up to 16 F-16 aircraft and related equipment for an estimated cost of up to $4.21 billion. #FMSUpdate - https://t.co/bIhBlKnCaC pic.twitter.com/1qdRyiEPqb
— Political-Military Affairs, US Dept of State (@StateDeptPM) February 3, 2022
Evolving relations under the Biden government
The former US diplomat, Mufid Al-Deek, believes that this grant comes as part of a group of initiatives by the Biden government to Jordan, including raising the value of US aid to Jordan, and he told “Arabi 21”: “It is a message that America will provide all support to the Kingdom, because Jordan is a strategic ally on the Contrary to what the Trump government was looking at, Biden sees Jordan as a strategic and reliable ally, and the administration will provide additional financial, military and political assistance.”
He continues, saying: “The Biden administration believes that Jordan is a very important country and must preserve it and provide it with all possible assistance.” To continue his important role in this region, as it is a country that has the longest borders with Israel in addition to its good relations with the Arab countries. This administration has a vote of confidence in the Jordanian throne, and I expect that Biden will continue to provide him with the necessary aid, which amounted to 1.600 billion last year.
The US-Jordanian relations witnessed tension due to disagreements with the Trump administration over the Palestinian file, which is considered a strategic file for Jordan, which hosts the largest number of Palestinian refugees, and is the custodian of the holy sites in Jerusalem.
The king strongly opposed former President Donald's plan Trump for peace in the Middle East, or what is known as the "deal of the century", in which Gulf Arab countries were involved, as he saw it as a threat to Jordanian national security and that it would also undermine the Hashemite guardianship over Islamic and Christian sites in Jerusalem.
Jordan is a strategic partner of the United States
The United States delivered Jordan 12 new "Black Hawk" helicopters in 2018 to enhance stability in Jordan, while the value of American aid during the past five years amounted to 6.5 billion Americans, according to the website of the American Embassy in Amman.
The American Ambassador to Jordan Henry renewed Worcester, in a speech he gave at the beginning of this year, expressed his country's support for Jordan, saying: "Together, both countries will continue to take the necessary measures to enhance stability and achieve well-being for the people of this region."
It is noteworthy that this aid comes within the framework of the memorandum of understanding that was signed on February 14. February 2018 between the United States and Jordan, in which the United States committed to providing $1.275 billion annually in bilateral foreign aid over a period of five years, with a total value of $6.375 billion. Jordan aspires to renew this agreement at the end of the year amid expectations of an increase in the value of aid.
br>The political analyst specializing in American and Israeli affairs, Daoud Kuttab, reveals "American-Jordanian preparations to build a base in the north-east of Jordan, which requires the development of the Jordanian Air Force with advanced aircraft that only exist on the Israeli side."
And about Tel Aviv's position on Supplying Jordan with this advanced type of combat aircraft, “Arabi 21” writers say: “Tel Aviv is accustomed to using its influence in Congress to stop the sale of arms, but Jordan is in good standing with Congress, and according to American law, the government headed by Biden has the right to use the veto if supporters of Tel Aviv try to enact A law to prevent this, but the most important thing is that the advanced planes reach Jordan without canceling some of the armament clauses in these planes.”
A joint defense
In 2021, Jordan and America signed a joint defense agreement that sparked great controversy, as it gives in its clauses "the right of American forces to be present on Jordanian territory, and the right to move, train, store, maintain, enter and exit to agreed-upon areas, and use the facilities for free."
The agreement states that The allocation of facilities and areas on Jordanian territory to be used exclusively by the United States, without rent, and without any interference in the affairs of those areas, so that the control is complete for the American side. unhindered use for activities including visits; training; exercises; maneuvers; crossing over; support and related activities; refueling aircraft; landing and towing aircraft from the runway; ship supply; temporary maintenance of vehicles, ships and aircraft; accommodation of individuals; And for free.
Also read: Shock in the Jordanian street from the provisions of the "defense agreement" with America