DUBAI, United Arab Emirates — Jordan has asked the United States to deploy Patriot air defense systems on its soil, according to Jordanian military spokesman Brig. General Mustafa Hiyari.
“This system is an expensive system and there is no way to provide it with local resources,” he told state media on October 29. “We need a strategic partner.”
“There are possible ballistic missile threats against Jordan,” he added, without elaborating.
Jordan does not host US bases, Hiyari said, but the US has a presence in the country to train Jordanian forces and provide equipment upgrades and maintenance. In January 2021, the countries signed a defense cooperation agreement, which gives the USunhindered accessat certain Jordanian facilities.
Also on Sunday, the General Command of the Jordanian Armed Forces rejected claims that US aircraft were using local air bases to supply Israel with equipment and ammunition for use in Israel-Hamas war.
The military claimed that such allegations are aimed at undermining Jordan’s steadfast support for Palestine and tarnishing the reputation of its armed forces. He said Jordanian field hospitals are caring for victims of attacks in the Gaza Strip and the Royal Jordanian Air Force remains committed to providing humanitarian aid and assistance to the Palestinians.
The Jordanian government has called for an end to the violence in Gaza and warned of dangerous consequences. He also condemned Israel’s treatment of the Palestinian people and highlighted Jordan’s role in protecting Islamic and Christian holy sites in Jerusalem.
Awad Mustafa is Middle East and Africa correspondent for Defense News.
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