Jordan Requests the U.S. to Deploy Patriot Air Defense Systems

The spokesperson for the Jordanian army stated on Sunday, November 8, that the country has requested the United States to deploy Patriot air defense systems in Jordan. The spokesperson told the state television: "We have asked the American side to assist in strengthening our defense system with Patriot missile defense systems." According to Reuters, this request comes amid rising tensions and conflicts in the region following Hamas's surprise attack on Israel on October 7. U.S. Patriot missiles were deployed in the Kingdom of Jordan in 2013 after the uprising against Bashar al-Assad in Syria, as Jordan was concerned about the spillover of the Syrian civil war. Officials say that Jordan is increasingly worried that Israeli airstrikes on Gaza could lead to an escalation of the war in the region. Israel has attacked Hamas positions following the deaths of about 1,400 people at the hands of Hamas militants, aiming to eliminate their organizational presence in Gaza. The U.S., European Union, Japan, and Israel have designated Hamas as a terrorist organization, with the Islamic Republic supporting this group. The Patriot system is one of the most advanced air defense systems of the U.S., with limited supply and high competition among U.S. allies to obtain it. The Jordanian army spokesperson also denied social media reports claiming that the Pentagon is using bases in Jordan to transfer equipment and weapons from its warehouses to Israel to bolster its defense in the Gaza war. In recent weeks, the United States has significantly increased its forces and naval equipment in the Middle East, including two aircraft carriers, their support ships, and thousands of soldiers. Israel attacked 600 Hamas positions within 24 hours.