Turkish MKE signs key defense agreements with Jordan
At Eurosatory 2024, Europe's largest defense industry exhibition held in Paris, the capital of France, Machinery and Chemical Industry Inc. (MKE) exhibited about 100 products, including the national infantry rifle MPT-76 and the sniper rifle Bora 12, which are also in the inventory of the Turkish Armed Forces (TAF). (AA Photo)
In a strategic move to enhance Jordan’s defense industry and boost the capabilities of the Jordan Armed Forces (JAF), Turkish arms maker Mechanical and Chemistry Industry Corporation (MKE) signed significant agreements with the Jordan Design and Development Bureau (JODDB) and JAF.
The agreements are expected to bolster Jordan’s defense production capacity.
Ammunition production line to boost capacity
One of the major agreements involves the establishment of a light ammunition production line with an annual capacity of 30 million rounds.
The facility will produce 5.56 mm x 45, 7.62 mm x 39, 7.62 mm x 51, and 9 mm x 19 caliber ammunition. The first two phases of the project have been completed successfully, with the third phase expected to conclude by October 2024, when full-scale production will commence.
Advanced artillery and bomb assembly lines in development
A second agreement, signed in July 2024 between MKE and JAF, outlines the setup of assembly lines for 81 mm and 120 mm mortar ammunition, 155 mm M107 artillery shells, as well as MK81, MK82, and MK84 aircraft bombs. This project is expected to significantly enhance Jordan’s artillery capabilities.
HAR-66 anti-tank rocket deal in progress
MKE has also proposed a technical and commercial offer to JAF for the supply of HAR-66 anti-tank and anti-personnel rockets, with an annual production capacity of 30,000 units.
Following planned demonstrations later in 2024, discussions are set to begin on establishing a production line for the HAR-66 rocket and the potential sale of 2,000 units to JAF.
Strengthening bilateral defense ties
These agreements underscore the growing cooperation between Jordan and Türkiye in the defense sector. The partnership aims to deepen defense collaboration between the two nations.
