Jordan has embarked on a transformation plan for its Armed Forces to confront modern security threats.
In January 2026, His Majesty King Abdullah II ibn Al Hussein, Supreme Commander of the Jordan Armed Forces-Arab Army, ordered military leaders to devise a comprehensive strategy to restructure the military.
“Driven by our commitment to bolstering the capabilities of our Arab Army and ensuring the continuous development of its capacities and tools, we direct you to devise a comprehensive strategy and a clear roadmap to achieve a structural transformation in the Armed Forces over the next three years,” the king said in a letter to Maj. Gen. Yousef Huneity, Chairman of the Jordanian Joint Chiefs of Staff.
The strategy will focus on enhancing the capabilities of the Jordan Armed Forces by modernizing its organizational structure to keep pace with the requirements of various operational environments and ensuring mastery of modern, hybrid and unconventional warfare.
The king’s letter underscored the need to build a resilient and efficient military within a combat doctrine that prepares troops for defensive, offensive and deterrent operations.
The modernization efforts include investing in advanced technologies such as artificial intelligence, prioritizing cyber defense and establishing secure and reliable command, control and communication systems.
King Abdullah also emphasized expanding the role of the Jordan Design and Development Bureau, making it a nucleus for research, development and manufacturing of advanced defense systems according to the highest international standards.
In partnership with the United States, Jordan has focused on developing its Armed Forces based on technological advancements in warfare. To help patrol the Gulf of Aqaba, site of Jordan’s main seaport, the country has trained on unmanned surface and underwater vessels. Border surveillance technology was a priority during the Syrian civil war, and countering aerial drones has become a centerpiece of training during exercises such as Eager Lion.
Retired Jordanian general Rezeq Al-Khawaldeh stressed the importance of deterrence. He cited launching preemptive cyberattacks against adversaries to disrupt possible attacks.
“We have a simulation center that replicates future wars, and I believe that armed forces personnel have been trained for this type of warfare,” he said.
Sources: Jordan Armed Forces, alarabiya.net, kingabdullah.jo, jordanpulse.com