Jordan may receive sophisticated weaponry from France, including a counterpart of the “Stinger” anti-aircraft missile which the U.S. Congress recently denied Amman.
Defense Minister Charles Hernu, who ended a three-day visit to Jordan yesterday, said before his departure that France will help Jordan equip its armed forces with advanced weapons. A joint Franco-Jordan military committee has been set up to study Jordan’s arms needs and decide on the priority of their supply, Hernu disclosed.
“It is impossible for France not to respond to Jordan’s legitimate requests for arms,” the French defense chief said. He met in Amman with Jordan’s Defense Minister, Ahmad Obeidat and Chief of Staff Gen. Sharef Zeid Bin Shaker.
France has already sold Jordan 36 Mirage F-1 combat planes and aircraft manufacturers here hope Jordan will be able to acquire another one or two squadrons, plus combat and transport helicopters.
Since its failure to acquire the American “Stinger,” Jordan has expressed interest in a French-produced missile with similar specifications. But it might decide instead to buy a cheaper Soviet model. King Hussein is expected to visit Moscow before the end of the year.
While in Jordan, Hemu visited air bases and watched Jordanian pilots and ground maintenance crews display their skills. France is believed to have agreed to train Jordanian air crews and engineering personnel at bases in France. Hernu will report on his mission to President Francois Mitterrand.
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