Ammon News - By ADAM ENTOUS/ The Wall Street Journal

The Pentagon plans to deploy missile-defense batteries and possibly F-16 fighter jets to Jordan as part of a coming military exercise in the country, U.S. officials said, a of support for the kingdom at a time of growing U.S. concern that the civil war in Syria could spill across borders.

Jordanian officials have asked the U.S. and other allies to consider deploying Patriot batteries in the country to help protect against the threat posed by Syrian rockets as the fighting in Syria has intensified.

U.S. officials said it is unclear whether the Patriot batteries could remain in Jordan after the Eager Lion exercise is completed.

The U.S. and its North Atlantic Treaty Organization partners have already deployed Patriot batteries inside NATO member Turkey, which, like Jordan, faces a flood of refugees from Syria and has grown increasingly concerned fighting there could spread across the region.

An estimated 15,000 troops from up to 18 countries including the U.S. are expected to take part in Eager Lion this year. The drill, expected to start soon, usually lasts a couple of weeks. A senior U.S. official said it is unclear how many Patriots and Navy F-16s will take part.

U.S. defense officials say Patriot batteries would provide limited protection to Jordan against Scud rockets coming from Syria because the system isn't designed to cover large areas. But such a deployment, officials said, could help deter Syria and underline U.S. support for Jordan's king.