Jordan Could Acquire Rafale F4 Fighters to Reinforce Air Power Alongside New F-16V Fleet

(DEFENCE SECURITY ASIA) — A recent analysis published by the French aviation website has suggested that the Royal Jordanian Air Force (RJAF) could acquire the Dassault Rafale F4 to complement its newly ordered fleet of Lockheed Martin F-16V Vipers.

The article argues that while the question may sound surprising at first, the idea is not entirely far-fetched.

Three years ago, the RJAF placed an order for twelve F-16V Block 70 fighters with an option for four more aircraft, bringing the potential total to sixteen.

Yet, as Avionlegendaires.net notes, this figure remains modest for an air arm historically structured around a fleet of 45 to 50 fighters.

This numerical shortfall, coupled with the shifting regional dynamics and Jordan’s increasingly strained ties with Israel and the United States, has reportedly prompted discussions in Amman about the need for a second fighter platform.

According to website, Jordan has never intended for the twelve F-16V Vipers ordered in 2022 to serve as a complete replacement for its ageing fleet of 53 General Dynamics F-16MLU Fighting Falcons.

Rather, it was conceived as the opening phase of a long-term modernisation plan.

Many observers, the commentary notes, had expected a second F-16V order in 2024—but that plan never materialised.

Instead, as of October 2025, only the option for four additional Vipers remains active.

Within the Jordanian defence establishment, there appears to be renewed interest in restoring a two-type fighter fleet—a configuration the RJAF once maintained for decades.

In that structure, one aircraft type served primarily as an air-defence interceptor, while the other handled ground-attack and multirole operations.

The Mirage F1CJ/EJ and F1BJ—both French designs—previously filled that role, earning a deep affection among Jordanian pilots for their reliability and versatility.

The French commentary emphasises that the Dassault Rafale F4 could logically fill this second role.

Jordan already knows the aircraft well, as it has hosted French Rafales for eight years at the forward-deployed French Air and Space Force base used in Opération Chammal against Islamic State targets over Iraq.

During that period, Jordanian officers have frequently interacted with French crews and have reportedly spoken in glowing terms about the Rafale’s operational performance, versatility, and low maintenance requirements under harsh desert conditions.

“Many Jordanian officers see in the Rafale a platform perfectly suited to their operational needs,” the French publication wrote, highlighting that the F4 variant introduces major advancements in network-centric warfare, data fusion, and electronic countermeasures.

With its Thales RBE2 AESA radar, SPECTRA electronic warfare suite, and compatibility with next-generation MICA NG and Meteor missiles, the Rafale F4 is viewed as a potential game-changer in regional air combat.

Diplomatic Climate Tilts Toward France

Avionlegendaires.net also points to the robust state of Franco-Jordanian relations as a significant enabler for such a deal.

President Emmanuel Macron’s official recognition of the State of Palestine earlier in 2025 was warmly received in Amman, further deepening the already cordial relationship between the two nations.

That diplomatic momentum was reinforced on 8 October 2025, when Crown Prince Hussein bin Abdullah and Princess Rajwa Al Hussein made their first official state visit to Paris, where they were received by President Macron at the Élysée Palace.

According to the French commentary, discussions during the visit reportedly included the future of France’s forward air base in Jordan and broader defence cooperation.

Prince Hussein publicly declared the importance of “deepening bilateral partnerships in the economic, technological, security, and defence fields,” a statement interpreted as a strong signal of continuity in Franco-Jordanian defence ties.

Interestingly, the 31-year-old Crown Prince had personally observed a Rafale demonstration during an earlier visit to France four years ago—a detail the article describes as potentially influential in shaping future procurement decisions.

Tense U.S. Relations and a Political Opening

The same Avionlegendaires.net commentary underscores that Jordan’s worsening relations with the United States since Donald Trump’s return to the White House could provide a political opening for Dassault Aviation.

King Abdullah II’s public condemnation of Israel’s airstrikes on Gaza—while maintaining a stance against Hamas—has angered pro-Trump factions in Washington.

The French report suggests that this cooling relationship could indirectly limit Amman’s willingness to depend entirely on U.S.-manufactured military equipment.

With Boeing and Lockheed Martin potentially constrained by politics, Paris may find itself in a stronger position to promote its flagship fighter.

Jordanian Media and Public Sentiment Warming to Rafale

In recent months, several Jordanian media outlets have echoed similar sentiments, portraying the Rafale F4 as “the ideal choice” for the Royal Jordanian Air Force’s future.

Some Jordanian defence commentators have even questioned whether the F-16V Viper truly fits the long-term operational requirements of the RJAF, given its reliance on U.S. export approval and data-link restrictions.

Though no formal negotiations have been announced between Amman and Dassault Aviation, the French publication highlights a growing series of indicators pointing in that direction.

These include positive media narratives, high-level diplomatic exchanges, and a broader desire within Jordan to diversify its defence partnerships amid regional uncertainty.

For Avionlegendaires.net, the symbolism of a Rafale purchase would be powerful.

It would mark the return of Dassault fighters to Jordanian skies nearly two decades after the retirement of the Mirage F1—a jet that remains fondly remembered among Jordanian aviators.

A Rafale acquisition, the commentary concludes, would not only modernise Jordan’s airpower but also symbolise the revival of a once-strong Franco-Jordanian defence bond, blending legacy, pragmatism, and renewed strategic alignment.

As the French analysis put it: “The Rafale could one day bear the same roundel once worn by the Mirage F1CJ/EJ and F1BJ—aircraft deeply cherished by Jordanian pilots.”

For now, no official talks have been disclosed, but as Avionlegendaires.net aptly noted—affaire à suivre.

Current Fleet and Modernization Efforts

The backbone of the Royal Jordanian Air Force’s (RJAF) combat capability remains its fleet of F-16 Fighting Falcons, with around 53 older F-16A/B models upgraded to the Mid-Life Update (MLU) standard that have served reliably for decades but are increasingly obsolete against modern aerial threats.

These aircraft, procured during the 1990s and early 2000s, are nearing the end of their operational lifespan, prompting Amman to pursue a long-overdue modernization drive to maintain regional deterrence and interoperability.

In 2022, Jordan signed a deal with the United States for 12 new Block 70/72 F-16V Vipers—with an option for four more that remains active as of October 2025—marking the first major fighter acquisition in over two decades.

The F-16V, dubbed the “Viper,” features a cutting-edge Northrop Grumman APG-83 AESA radar, advanced mission computers, digital cockpit displays, and integration with precision-guided munitions, significantly enhancing situational awareness and lethality.

However, even if all 16 Vipers are delivered, the RJAF’s modern fleet would still fall short of its ideal operational requirement of 45–50 combat aircraft, leaving a notable capability gap that could compel Amman to seek a complementary fighter platform.

Beyond its fixed-wing assets, the RJAF also operates around 30 Bell AH-1F Cobra attack helicopters for close air support, several Lockheed C-130H Hercules transports for logistics and humanitarian operations, a mix of Pilatus PC-21 and Northrop F-5 Tiger aircraft for training, and Sikorsky UH-60 Black Hawk helicopters for utility and reconnaissance missions.

This mixed fleet has proven its worth in combat—particularly during Jordan’s sustained counter-ISIS operations—but experts increasingly warn that over-reliance on a single supplier or platform type, particularly amid regional instability, leaves the RJAF vulnerable to supply chain and political constraints.

As such, a growing school of thought within Jordan’s defence establishment advocates diversification through the acquisition of a European-built multirole platform such as the Dassault Rafale F4 to restore fleet depth and strategic flexibility.

Introducing the Dassault Rafale F4

The Dassault Rafale F4 represents the latest and most advanced evolution of France’s renowned “omnirôle” fighter, embodying two decades of continuous development and combat-proven refinement since its operational debut in 2001.

Developed by Dassault Aviation and operated by the French Air and Space Force, French Navy, and several key export partners—including Egypt, India, Qatar, Greece, and the United Arab Emirates—the Rafale has matured into one of the world’s most balanced multirole platforms.

At the heart of the Rafale F4’s design lies a blend of aerodynamic agility, advanced avionics, and deep strike capability, enabling missions ranging from air superiority and precision ground attack to reconnaissance, maritime strike, and even nuclear deterrence in French service.

The twin-engine fighter measures 15.30 meters in length, spans 10.90 meters in wingspan, and has a maximum take-off weight of 24.5 tons, powered by two Snecma M88-4E turbofan engines that deliver supercruise capability and a top speed of Mach 1.8 (approximately 1,390 km/h) with a service ceiling of 50,000 feet and a combat range exceeding 3,700 kilometers with external tanks.

The F4 standard, which is expected to achieve full operational capability by the late 2020s, introduces sweeping technological enhancements, including upgraded Thales RBE2 AESA radar, next-generation SPECTRA electronic warfare suite for superior detection and countermeasures, and the TALIOS targeting pod for high-precision strikes.

It is also designed to integrate new-generation weapons such as the MBDA MICA NG air-to-air missile, AASM Hammer precision-guided bombs of up to 1,000 kg class, and the long-range SCALP cruise missile, providing exceptional stand-off attack capability.

The Rafale F4 further enhances connectivity with improved datalinks, SATCOM integration, and multi-domain interoperability with unmanned aerial systems, giving it the ability to operate seamlessly in future networked warfare environments.

Compared to the F-16V, the Rafale offers superior payload capacity, longer unrefueled range, and enhanced survivability due to its radar cross-section reduction measures and electronic countermeasures suite, albeit at a higher estimated unit cost of USD 80–100 million (approximately RM 375–470 million) per aircraft.

For Jordan, the acquisition of the Rafale F4 would not only complement its F-16V fleet but also reintroduce European design philosophy and operational independence into its air force—diversifying its combat capability while symbolically reviving a historic Franco-Jordanian partnership once embodied by the Mirage F1.

Why the Rafale? Historical Ties and Strategic Advantages

Jordan’s growing interest in the Dassault Rafale is deeply anchored in long-standing Franco-Jordanian defence relations that have strengthened significantly in recent years.

Since 2014, France has maintained a permanent air presence in Jordan through its forward-deployed air base established under Opération Chammal against Daesh, where French Rafale fighters have operated continuously for eight years.

This extended deployment has allowed Jordanian pilots, engineers, and ground crews to develop a high degree of familiarity with the aircraft, gaining first-hand exposure to its operational reliability and mission versatility under desert conditions.

Jordanian personnel have reportedly praised the Rafale’s performance, describing it as exceptionally well-suited to the country’s demanding operational environment and regional security needs.

Historically, the Royal Jordanian Air Force (RJAF) maintained a close connection with French aviation through its operation of Mirage F1CJ/EJ and F1BJ fighters from the 1980s until the 2010s, aircraft highly valued for their agility, endurance, and reliability.

That legacy has cultivated a long-term institutional confidence in French aerospace technology and doctrine, making Dassault Aviation a familiar and trusted partner for Amman.

Diplomatic engagement has also deepened these ties, exemplified by Crown Prince Hussein bin Abdullah’s official visit to Paris on October 8, 2025, during which security and defence cooperation topped the agenda, and where the Crown Prince—who had previously been personally briefed on the Rafale—reaffirmed Jordan’s intent to strengthen bilateral partnerships.

Strategically, adopting the Rafale F4 alongside the F-16V would allow Jordan to reintroduce a dual-fleet model, employing the U.S.-built Viper primarily for air defence while leveraging the Rafale’s multirole capability for strike, reconnaissance, and maritime operations.

This diversification would reduce Amman’s dependency on U.S. spare parts, software upgrades, and export approvals—an increasingly valuable strategic hedge as Jordan strives to maintain autonomy amid shifting regional alignments.

Geopolitical Context and Challenges

Jordan’s evolving defence posture is shaped by an increasingly complex regional environment, marked by spillover from the Syrian conflict, Iranian proxy activities, and heightened tensions with Israel over Gaza.

King Abdullah II has repeatedly condemned Israeli airstrikes on Gaza, a stance that has strained relations with pro-Israel U.S. administrations and complicated military cooperation.

With Donald Trump’s return to the White House in 2025, diplomatic friction between Amman and Washington could deepen further, raising the risk of delays or restrictions on future U.S. defence transfers, including additional F-16 orders.

France, by contrast, shares Jordan’s position on several critical Middle Eastern issues, particularly support for the recognition of a Palestinian state—a principle reaffirmed by President Emmanuel Macron earlier this year.

This alignment has reinforced mutual trust and underpinned broader bilateral cooperation, encompassing joint exercises, training exchanges, and defence technology collaboration.

During the October 2025 meetings in Paris, both sides reportedly discussed capability development and long-term security planning, further entrenching the strategic partnership.

Nevertheless, significant obstacles remain: no official Rafale negotiations have been announced, and cost considerations pose a formidable challenge for Jordan’s constrained defence budget.

While the Rafale offers unmatched performance, its higher acquisition and operational costs compared to U.S. platforms remain a potential barrier, though France could offset this through flexible financing, technology transfers, or local industrial participation.

Potential Deal Details and Strategic Implications

Industry speculation suggests that Jordan could eventually seek between 12 and 24 Rafale F4 fighters, potentially integrated with the existing French infrastructure already in operation at the Jordanian air base.

If concluded, such a deal would mark the Rafale’s entry into yet another Middle Eastern air force, joining Egypt, Qatar, and the United Arab Emirates—bringing total global deliveries to more than 240 aircraft by 2025.

Operationally, the introduction of the Rafale would provide the RJAF with a dramatic boost in flexibility, enabling seamless interoperability with French and coalition forces and expanding Jordan’s capacity to conduct precision strikes, deep interdiction, and defensive counter-air missions.

Strategically, a dual-fleet structure combining F-16Vs and Rafales would reinforce Jordan’s deterrence posture, balance its procurement dependencies, and ensure greater resilience in times of geopolitical uncertainty.

Economically, the deal could strengthen Franco-Jordanian ties through offsets, maintenance training, and technology transfer agreements, stimulating local aerospace employment and industrial development.

Diplomatically, a Rafale purchase would further elevate France’s profile in the region and could inspire follow-on interest from other nations evaluating advanced Western multirole fighters, such as Iraq or Indonesia.

Although still at the speculative stage, Jordan’s reported consideration of the Rafale F4 reflects a pragmatic approach to airpower modernization that balances operational necessity with strategic independence.

Drawing on historical familiarity, trusted bilateral relations, and proven performance, the Rafale offers Jordan an opportunity to diversify its defence portfolio while enhancing combat capability across multiple mission domains.

If the acquisition materializes, it would symbolize not only a new chapter in Franco-Jordanian defence collaboration but also the revival of a proud legacy—one that began with the Mirage and may soon continue under the wings of the Rafale.

— DEFENCE SECURITY ASIA