The Royal Jordanian Air Force (RJAF) signed last Thursday (19) the purchase of more F-16 Fighting Falcon Block 70 fighter jets. which increases from eight to 12 the number of fighters ordered, with an option for an additional four aircraft.
The amendment was signed by RJAF Commander Brigadier General Muhammad Fathi Hiasat and US Deputy Ambassador to Jordan Rohit Nepal. In note, the RJAF claims that the acquisition “It falls within the framework of strengthening the defense capabilities and military deterrence of the Hashemite Kingdom of Jordan, increasing the level of combat readiness and joint operations with the American side.”
The RJAF does not mention the value of the contract. However, in February of last year the US State Department, through the Security and Defense Cooperation Agency, approved the sale of 12 F-16 Block 70s to the country, valued at $4,21 billion.
The Government of Jordan has requested the purchase of 21 General Electric F110-GE-129 engines (16 installed and five spares), 21 AN/APG-83 Active Electronically Scanned Radar (AESA), six AN/AAQ-33 Sniper pods for guidance of bombs, 200 Mk.84 930 kg bombs, 204 Mk.82 230 kg bombs, LJDAM and Paveway II kits, various navigation and communication systems, Link 16 data link and other items.
Currently, the RJAF has a fleet of 44 F-16A and 15 F-16B fighters, acquired from the United States, Belgium and Holland. Most of the aircraft were upgraded to the MLU (Mid Life Upgrade) standard, becoming equivalent to the F-16C/D Block 50/52.
The F-17 Block 70, also called the F-16V Viper, is the most modern version of this plane which is the most used hunting in the world. The model incorporates technologies found in 5th generation fighters, such as the AESA AN/APG-83 radar and the Automatic Ground Collision Avoidance System (Auto GCAS). The F-16 Block 70 is already in service with the Taiwan Air Force and has been acquired by Bulgaria, Bahrain, Slovakia, Greece and Morocco.
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