The first F-16 to arrive in Jordan was destined for the squadron and landed at Muwaffaq Al-Salti AB in December of 1997. Under the Peace Falcon I program, Jordan would receive 16 F-16s – being 12 A-models and 4 B-models – in the ADF version. These F-16s had been stored at AMARC since 1994-1995 and were sent to the Ogden logistical facility to get them to flying condition again.
Since the Jordanian Air Force lacked an aircraft with a dedicated air defence profile and with the possibility to engage beyond visual range, these F-16s were solely used in this role. These aircraft boosted the air defence potential of the Jordanian Air Force dramatically. Although a modern BVR weapon as the AIM-120 wasn’t included in the deal. These were only added to the fleet in 2004. In between, the Jordan’s had to rely on the less sophisticated AIM-7 missile to conduct their BVR missions.
The Jordanian Air Force has conducted a major re-equipment program over the past years. More F-16s were added to the fleet with these being modernised to the MLU standards. Although envisioned to be upgraded as well, the F-16s of 2 squadron remain unmodified. Therefore they retain their specific air defence duties without being truly multirole capable. Time will tell whether these aircraft will receive the MLU package as the rest of the fleet.
RJAF F-16A ADF
#228 from 2 sqn is seen parked on the ramp during Falcon Air Meet 2007. [
BAF 1 sqn photo]
