US Congress Approves $143 Million Buildup at Jordan Air Base

The Muwaffaq Salti Air Base has been an important strategic asset in the campaign against the Islamic State group. The inclusion of the project in the $700 billion National Defense Authorization Act highlights the Pentagon’s long-term needs in the region

US Congress Approves $143 Million Buildup at Jordan Air Base

U.S. Air National Guard photo/Senior Master Sgt. Beth Holliker

The US Congress has allocated $143 million for upgrade work at Muwaffaq Salti Air Base in Jordan.

According to Stars and Stripes, the base has been a key strategic asset in the air campaign against ISIS. It has been used by the US, Belgian, and Dutch air forces due to its proximity to the border with Syria and Iraq.

US Air Force documents revealed that the base has been overwhelmed by the pace of operations, with limited ramp space to launch combat sorties. According to the documents, it has "zero dedicated space to support cargo and personnel recovery operations" and is operating at "four to five times what the space was originally intended to support."

Since the Air Force’s initial budget request, combat operations in Iraq and Syria have slowed dramatically, with fewer air strikes as ISIS-held territory evaporates. However, Congress’ inclusion of the Jordan project in the $700 billion National Defense Authorization Act highlights the Pentagon’s long-term needs in the region. 

You might be interested also