Military Bases in Jordan
Your guide to navigating military life in Jordan.
Air Force Bases
MSAB
Located in Al Mafraq, Jordan
MSAB sits near Al Mafraq, Jordan and serves as a key U.S. Air Force base in the region. Known for its vital role in coalition air operations, MSAB supports rapid deployment, intelligence, and logistics missions.
Jordan’s Strategic Air Defense Hub
For U.S. military members and families on PCS or TDY to Jordan, Muwaffaq Salti Air Base in Azraq is the primary installation, hosting U.S. Air Force operations alongside the Royal Jordanian Air Force. Located in Zarqa Governorate, this base supports regional security through air defense, missile defense testing, and coalition missions. This guide to military bases in Jordan offers insights into its role, historical significance, economic impact, and community support, ensuring a rewarding assignment in this key U.S. ally.
Historical Foundations
Jordan’s military aviation history began during World War I, when T.E. Lawrence used Azraq’s plains in 1918 as a landing ground for aircraft supporting the push toward Syria, leveraging the area’s clear visibility and ideal flying weather. The Royal Jordanian Air Force (RJAF) selected Azraq in 1976 for a major air base, with construction starting that year. Muwaffaq Salti Air Base, named for Lieutenant Muwaffaq Salti, killed in a 1966 battle with the Israeli Air Force, opened on May 24, 1981, initially hosting F-5 squadrons. U.S. involvement grew post-2014, supporting anti-ISIS operations.
Economic Impact
Muwaffaq Salti Air Base contributes significantly to Azraq’s economy, employing hundreds of local Jordanians and supporting U.S. personnel. The U.S. has invested over $265 million since 2017 in base upgrades, including a 2022 air traffic control tower project, boosting local construction and services. Approximately 3,800 U.S. personnel operate alongside RJAF units, with base contracts benefiting Zarqa Governorate. Families access limited on-base housing, local schools, and a hospital. MWR programs, like 2025 Petra tours and Dead Sea trips, enhance community life, fostering U.S.-Jordanian ties.
Key Military Facilities
Muwaffaq Salti Air Base (Azraq): Hosts the RJAF’s 1st and 2nd Squadrons with F-16s and the U.S. 332nd Air Expeditionary Wing, operating F-15Es and drones, with 3,800 U.S. personnel.
King Abdullah II Air Base (Amman): RJAF headquarters, supporting F-16 operations and U.S. logistics, with 500 U.S. personnel.
Joint Training Center Complex (Zarqa): U.S.-Jordanian training facility for special operations, hosting 200 U.S. personnel.
Strategic Importance
Muwaffaq Salti Air Base is central to U.S. and Jordanian defense strategies. The U.S. 332nd Air Expeditionary Wing conducts 2,000 annual F-15E and drone missions, supporting regional stability and missile defense tests. The RJAF’s F-16 squadrons provide air defense, with 2024 deployments reinforcing NATO partnerships. The base’s $143 million expansion since 2019, including airlift and special operations aprons, enhances its role as a permanent U.S. hub. Joint Training Center exercises and King Abdullah II Air Base logistics bolster U.S.-Jordanian operations, despite unconfirmed 2024 security incidents.
Notable Distinctions
Muwaffaq Salti Air Base is Jordan’s largest air base, hosting both RJAF F-16s and U.S. F-15Es, with a 2024 air traffic control tower upgrade. It supports the Ronald Reagan Ballistic Missile Defense Test Site’s regional operations. The base offers limited on-base housing, reliable Wi-Fi for online activities, and MWR events like Azraq Wetland Reserve visits. King Abdullah II Air Base is the RJAF’s command center. These facilities, alongside joint training sites, provide a unique blend of mission readiness and cultural immersion in Jordan’s desert landscapes.
U.S. service members on PCS to Jordan or TDY in Jordan will find mission-critical roles and a tight-knit community at Muwaffaq Salti Air Base. From Azraq’s historic castle to Amman’s vibrant souks, Jordan’s bases offer robust support, local education options, and unforgettable cultural experiences for military families.