Jordan exercises new Leclerc tanks
The Jordanian Armed Forces (JAF) confirmed on 19 October that it has received Nexter Leclerc main battle tanks (MBTs) from the United Arab Emirates (UAE).
King Abdullah II (centre with helmet), Prince Hussein (left), and Princess Salma (between the two) inspect a Leclerc tank during Exercise ‘Salah al-Din Fortress’. (Royal Hashemite Court)
The announcement was made in a statement about Exercise ‘Salah al-Din Fortress’ in the Eastern Military Region.
“For the first time, the Leclerc (Zayed) tanks were used, which entered service this year as a fruit of the fraternal and strategic relations linking Jordan and the United Arab Emirates,” it said.
It released a video showing at least four Leclercs in action during what appeared to be an armoured formation exercise supported by F-16 fighters carrying guided munitions and AH-1 Cobra attack helicopters.
The Royal Hashemite Court also released a photograph showing King Abdullah II inspecting a Leclerc with his son Crown Prince Hussein and daughter Princess Salma, both graduates of the Royal Military Academy Sandhurst.
A French defence blog reported in September that the UAE had decided to donate 80 Leclercs to Jordan, saying they would re-equip four battalions of the 3rd King Abdullah II Armoured Division.
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