UK and Jordan stand together in fight against ISIL

Defence Secretary Michael Fallon has extolled Jordan’s role in supporting the fight against ISIL. During a visit with King Abdullah II, Fallon discussed the UK’s long-standing relationship with Jordan along with the country’s partnership with other Coalition members, it their fight to defeat the terror group. According to a statement from the Ministry of Defence (MoD) Jordan was one of the earliest contributors to airstrikes against ISIL, operating four F-16 fighters, as well as other transporter aircraft. Commenting on the nature of the countries’ defence relationship, the MoD noted: building up Jordan’s border security, through helping develop their border surveillance capability; 200 UK forces last year participated in Exercise Shamal Storm 16, and this year British forces will work alongside a stepped up Jordanian force;the UK leads and helps to fund Jordan’s Quick Reaction Force (QRF). The QRF is a Rapid Response force which has the ability to respond to threats at distance; and through NATO, Britain is providing financial support to developing Jordan’s cyber defence, military exercises and information protection. Fallon said: “Jordan is a longstanding and key ally of the UK and an important partner in countering the shared threats we face. “We stand shoulder to shoulder in the fight against Daesh, our militaries exercise together and we’re assisting Jordan in the development to develop of its armed forces. “Through our global role we’re committed to helping Jordan in sustaining its stability which in turn makes Britain safer and more secure.”