Page 90 - Royal Jordanian Air Force Book
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which provides air lift and close air support F-5, CASA-101, Firefly, and has plans to sell
to different components of the Air Force and the following: Older F-16s, Mirage F-1, UH-60L,
Army. The Unified Helicopter Command has also Hawk-63, MD-500, C-130E and CN-235 amongst
assumed additional roles and responsibilities others.
through the QRF established recently to respond
swiftly and decisively to potential threats from . Renewing RJAF pilot training fleet and introducing
terrorist groups and ensure border security. state-of-the-art simulators to introduce pilots to
the latest and greatest in military aviation, while
. Detaching the Public Security Wing (PSW), reducing operational and sustainment costs. For
previously operating EC-635T2 helicopters under instance, the Grob 120GP replaced the Firefly as
the Public Security Directorate, and the Jordan a basic trainer, and the PC-21 replaced both the
Air Ambulance Center (JAAC) operating AW-139 CASA-101 and HAWK-63 as an advanced trainer,
helicopters and attaching them to RJAF Air Lift while the Robinson R44 replaced the Hughes 500
Wing (ALW) which will assume their previous and the French Ecureuil as a helicopter basic and
responsibilities and perform their original advanced trainer.
missions under the ALW.
. Pursuing a capability-based approach to build
. Investments in new technology and operational RJAF capacity and fill capability gaps in the most
concepts as this would pave the way for a effective manner. The RJAF has recently adopted
smaller, yet more effective air power. The this methodology.
RJAF has recently inducted several platforms
with ISR capability (UAVs and fixed wings) . Implementing hiring control of retired technicians
and weaponized some to meet the emerging by reducing the number of new recruits through
challenges posed by potential adversaries. pursuing stringent criteria to select the best that
meet RJAF requirement in certain areas.
. Upgrading several platforms to improve their
performance and enhance their capability. . Merging some logistics directorates that have
Several upgrade programs are currently similar or related functions under one directorate.
underway to introduce new smart weapons and For instance, the Directorates of ElecroMech and
improved capabilities to existing platforms so Airport Engineering have been merged to become
that they become a force multiplier and game the Directorate of Technical and Engineering
changer. For example, some F-16s have recently Support.
been upgraded to be compatible with the JDAM
missiles and some Cobras have been weaponized . Renewing RJAF transportation fleet through
with Hellfire and APKWS smart weapons in replacing older buses by a modern fleet of buses.
addition to improvements to the cockpit displays, A measure that will ease the burden on NCOs
amongst others. and improve their working environment, while
reducing the running cost of RJAF transportation
. Renewing some of RJAF fleets through divesting fleet.
older aircraft and replacing them with newer
aircraft to reduce operational and sustainment Finally, RJAF must be able to evolve with the
costs. For example, the RJAF recently sold the changing challenges and emerging threats;
following platforms: therefore, this process is an ongoing effort to
increase efficiencies, reduce overhead and
eliminate redundancy in the Air Force.
ROYAL JORDANIAN AIR FORCE 89
