Published: 10:56 AM, 06 September 2026
Jordan and Turkey Discuss Enhancing Defense Ties
Jordan and Turkey are moving to deepen their defense relationship as growing instability across the Middle East encourages closer coordination between regional partners. The two countries have recently discussed expanding military cooperation, defense-industry partnerships, technology transfer, training, and strategic coordination, reflecting a broader effort to strengthen their ability to respond to changing security challenges.
The relationship has received fresh attention following high-level meetings between Jordanian and Turkish defense officials. Discussions have focused on military training, the exchange of expertise, operational readiness, defense technology, and regional security developments. Both sides have shown interest in expanding cooperation in defense industries and improving the capabilities of their armed forces.
For Jordan, closer defense cooperation with Turkey comes at a time when the country's security environment is becoming increasingly complicated. Jordan sits at the crossroads of several areas affected by conflict and instability, including Syria, Iraq, the Palestinian territories, and the wider Middle East. Regional tensions have also exposed neighboring countries to missile, drone, terrorism, and other security threats.
Turkey, meanwhile, has developed a significant defense industry capable of producing military aircraft, unmanned systems, naval vessels, missiles, electronic systems, and other advanced equipment. Cooperation with Ankara therefore offers Jordan an opportunity to strengthen its military capabilities while developing technical expertise and industrial partnerships.
The two countries' defense cooperation is not limited to military equipment. Training and the exchange of professional knowledge are also important areas. Jordan has extensive experience in counterterrorism, border security, and special operations, while Turkey has developed broad capabilities through its armed forces and defense industry. Sharing these experiences could improve the effectiveness and readiness of both countries.
Joint military exercises can also play an important role in strengthening bilateral ties. Training together allows soldiers from both countries to improve communication, coordination, and operational skills. It can also help them develop common procedures for responding to emergencies, terrorism, border threats, and other security challenges.
Defense-industrial cooperation is emerging as another major area of interest. Jordan is seeking ways to strengthen its domestic defense capabilities and develop technical expertise, while Turkey is increasingly looking to expand its defense partnerships internationally. Cooperation in manufacturing, maintenance, research, and technology could benefit both sides.
Maritime security is another potential area of cooperation. Jordan has a strategically important coastline along the Red Sea, centered around the port city of Aqaba. Strengthening patrol and surveillance capabilities could help the country protect its maritime borders, combat smuggling, and improve search-and-rescue operations. Turkish expertise in naval technology could contribute to these efforts.
The cooperation also has a wider strategic context. Jordan and Turkey face many of the same regional concerns, including terrorism, illegal trafficking, border insecurity, and the consequences of conflicts in neighboring countries. Both governments have an interest in maintaining national sovereignty and regional stability while avoiding unnecessary escalation.
Jordan's close security relationship with the United States and other Western partners also remains important. Turkey is a NATO member and maintains extensive military relationships with Western countries. Closer Jordan-Turkey defense cooperation can therefore complement, rather than necessarily replace, existing international security partnerships.
The regional situation makes such cooperation particularly significant. Jordan has faced repeated security challenges linked to conflicts around its borders, while Turkey has confronted threats connected to terrorism, instability in Syria and Iraq, and wider regional tensions. Cooperation between the two countries could provide opportunities for sharing intelligence, improving border-security capabilities, and developing common responses to emerging threats.
At the political level, the leaders of Jordan and Turkey have also emphasized stronger bilateral relations. Their discussions have included military affairs as well as economic, political, and diplomatic cooperation. Both countries have expressed support for regional stability, respect for national sovereignty, and diplomatic efforts to reduce tensions.
The defense relationship therefore forms part of a broader Jordan-Turkey partnership rather than standing alone. Economic, political, and diplomatic relations can reinforce military cooperation and create additional opportunities for both countries.
For Jordan, cooperation with Turkey could help modernize military capabilities without relying exclusively on traditional suppliers. For Turkey, stronger relations with Jordan can enhance its connections with an important Arab state located in a strategically sensitive part of the Middle East.
However, closer defense ties also require careful management. Military cooperation should focus on defensive capabilities, regional stability, counterterrorism, border security, and the protection of civilians. Increased military coordination should not contribute to unnecessary regional competition or escalation.
The coming years could therefore see a broader Jordan-Turkey defense partnership involving training, joint exercises, defense production, maritime security, and technological cooperation. If managed responsibly, the partnership could benefit both countries while contributing to greater stability in a region facing serious security challenges.
Jordan and Turkey have already taken several steps toward closer defense cooperation. The next challenge will be turning individual agreements, meetings, and exercises into a sustained strategic partnership.
In an increasingly uncertain Middle East, stronger cooperation between countries committed to security and stability can be valuable. For Amman and Ankara, enhancing defense ties may prove not only a means of strengthening their armed forces but also an important instrument of regional diplomacy and strategic resilience.
