From Lawrence of Arabia to modern missile defense: the evolution of Muwaffaq Salti
In short: Located in Jordan, the Muwaffaq Salti Air Base has transformed from a simple 1918 landing ground into a critical node for international military operations. Today, it serves as a primary hub for the Royal Jordanian Air Force and U.S. forces, recently enduring intense ballistic missile strikes during the 2026 Iran-US conflict.
The site’s strategic value was recognized as early as 1918, when T. E. Lawrence utilized the Azraq plains for their exceptional visibility and favorable flying weather. Decades later, in 1976, the Royal Jordanian Air Force selected the location for a major air base, which officially opened on 24 May 1981. It was named in honor of Lieutenant Muwaffaq Salti, who perished during the 1966 Battle of Samou. Over the years, the base has hosted various aircraft, including Northrop F-5s and Mirage F1s, before becoming the home of the F-16 Fighting Falcon squadrons that constitute Jordan’s primary striking force.
In recent years, the base has evolved into a significant international military installation. Since 2014, it has supported operations against the Islamic State, and by 2019, the United States initiated a $143 million expansion to enhance its infrastructure, including new aprons and a control tower. This modernization effort aimed to establish a more permanent U.S. presence, hosting personnel and advanced equipment such as F-35, F-16, and F-15 fighter jets, as well as MQ-9 Reaper drones.
The base’s prominence made it a focal point during the 2026 Iran-US conflict. Between March and September 2026, Iran launched approximately ten assaults on the facility. These attacks included a significant strike on 9 July involving eight ballistic missiles and a major 20-missile barrage on 9 September. Despite the deployment of Patriot and THAAD interceptors, the base sustained damage to structures and aircraft, including the loss of a radar component and damage to an A-10 Thunderbolt II. These events underscore the base's role at the center of modern geopolitical tensions.
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