RAF and Royal Jordanian Air Force strengthen ties

RAF Typhoon pilots from Coningsby have been pushing their flight capabilities to the limit in the Jordanian desert.

Conducting low-level flying training over the Wadi Rum desert, the pilots flew alongside their counterparts from the Royal Jordanian Air Force.

The Wadi Rum desert, famous for its role in films like “Lawrence of Arabia,” “Star Wars,” and “Dune,” provided a challenging training environment. The pilots were required to fly “400 miles an hour 500ft from the ground,” according to the press release.

The landscape presented unique navigational and environmental challenges, allowing the pilots to hone skills necessary for evading enemy aircraft and air defence systems.

The RAF Typhoons flew in formation with Royal Jordanian Air Force F-16s. “The pilots had to fly with immaculate precision around the terrain whilst continuously maintaining safe distances from each other,” the release noted. The training aims to enable the aircrews to learn from each other and practice operating in unison.

Wing Commander Buchler, Officer Commanding 3 (Fighter) Squadron, commented on the importance of the training and the unique environment.

“It is nearly 20 years since I last flew over Wadi Rum in a Jaguar, but the landscape still takes your breath away as you cruise in from the North. The rich history of the region is symbolic of our close ties with the Royal Jordanian Air Force, and it is always a pleasure to conduct training serials with them.”

The training event also received essential support from an RAF Voyager, which provided air-to-air refuelling, thus extending the range and duration of the sorties.

The recent training exercise serves to underscore the longstanding and significant partnership between the UK and Jordan, especially in defence activity. This cooperation is considered crucial for maintaining stability and security in the Middle East.

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