U.S. Will Temporarily Deploy 30 Air Force Jet Fighters to Jordan

The United States announced Wednesday that it will temporarily deploy 30 Air Force F-15 and F-16 jet fighters to Jordan, partly as a sign of support for King Hussein after his recent moves to make peace with Israel and to distance himself from Iraq.

Although the Pentagon said the jets will be sent in mid-April to fill a temporary gap in U.S. fighter strength in the region, U.S. officials said they also hope to send a signal that Washington will stand behind countries that aid the Middle East peace process.

While officials denied it, the announcement--timed to coincide with the arrival of Hussein for high-level talks here later this week--also appeared designed to underscore the U.S. commitment to the security of Israel, which is battling new attacks by terrorists.

The administration also renewed its efforts Wednesday to win Congress’ approval of a proposed $200-million lease of 16 F-16 fighters to Jordan, for which Hussein has been campaigning for months. U.S. officials said the deal has the support of Israel.

Pentagon officials said the deployment to Jordan has been in the works for months as part of an effort to heighten the ability of the U.S. military to act quickly in case of trouble in the Middle East.

After Iraqi troops massed near Kuwait in the fall of 1994, the Pentagon began negotiating to position more military supplies in key Middle East countries. It also sought to gain access to more airfields.

The new aircraft will be in Jordan between the departure of the aircraft carrier Nimitz from the Persian Gulf and the arrival of its replacement, the carrier Carl Vinson. The United States sent a force to Bahrain last fall in a similar situation.

While the deployment ostensibly will last until mid-June, U.S. officials hinted Wednesday that it could be extended.

“A lot will depend on the situation then,” one official said.

The U.S. warplanes are being assigned to help enforce the “no-fly” zone that the United States and its allies established over southern Iraq after the 1991 Persian Gulf War. They are also expected to be used in training exercises with the air forces of Jordan, Egypt and Israel.

The U.S. contingent will be made up of 12 Air Force F-15s now based at Langley, Va.; 18 F-16s from bases in Georgia and Idaho; and four KC-135 tankers based in Washington state. About 150 pilots and crew members will be deployed with the planes.

Analysts said the deployment, which will mark the first time the United States has stationed warplanes in Jordan, reflects a growing closeness between the two countries, which had been openly at odds after Jordan backed Iraq during the Gulf War.

In recent months, the relationship has warmed as Hussein first agreed to make peace with Israel and later reduced his ties with Iraq.

Wednesday’s announcement came as Hussein prepared to visit Washington for talks Friday with senior U.S. officials, including President Clinton.