Jordan wants to deploy US MIM-104 Patriot missile defence systems because of rising tensions in the region

Since the Hamas attack on Israel in early October 2023, the US has moved a large amount of military equipment to the Middle East. Jordan wants the Pentagon to deploy MIM-104 Patriot systems on its territory.

Here's What We Know

Immediately after the Hamas attack on Israel, the US sent the aircraft carrier strike group USS Gerald R. Ford to the region. It was followed by F-15E Strike Eagle fighters, F-16 Fighting Falcon fighters, A-10 Thunderbolt II attack aircraft, a second carrier strike group USS Dwight D. Eisenhower and the amphibious assault ship USS Bataan.

Also recently, the US Department of Defence announced the deployment of THAAD and MIM-104 Patriot missile defence systems across the Middle East. Jordan wants the Patriot systems to be installed in the city of Amman.

The authorities fear that if Jerusalem is fired on, the missiles could enter the country. In this regard, they have asked the US to deploy the Patriot system there. This was announced by Brigadier General Mustafa Hiyari.

If the request is approved, the US will deploy the MIM-104 Patriot in Jordan for the first time since 2013. The Pentagon deployed missile defence systems in the country 10 years ago in response to the war in Syria.

Source: Reuters