Hasan Dajah

National security in the region is no longer a stable concept or manageable with traditional tools. Instead, it has become an open field of rapidly changing possibilities, where politics and technology intersect, and where conflict zones extend from the military battlefield to cyberspace. In this context, the initiative launched by His Majesty King Abdullah, announcing a comprehensive structural transformation of the Jordanian Armed Forces, represents a clear expression of a forward-looking vision that anticipates reality rather than waiting for crises to impose it.

This Royal approach cannot be interpreted as a mere procedural step or a limited technical upgrade, but rather as a redefinition of the military institution's role, function, and position within the comprehensive national security equation. The message addressed to the Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff established an integrated political-military framework, defining the goals, pathways, and timeline for the transformation over three years, reflecting a precise understanding of the magnitude and complex nature of the challenges surrounding Jordan.

This vision stems from a firm conviction that threats are no longer clearly defined or confined to traditional geographical boundaries, but have become hybrid and multi-layered, combining direct military risks, political pressures, cyber intrusions, and technological superiority that sometimes decides conflicts before they even begin.

Therefore, the Royal vision aims to shift the armed forces from a defence logic based on mass and deployment to logic of smart power capable of deterrence and influence with high flexibility and efficiency. In this context, the focus is on rebuilding military doctrine to align with the nature of modern warfare, where confrontations no longer rely on massive troop deployments or fixed front lines, but rather on speed, precision, information integration, and the ability to operate in complex and dynamic operational environments. This shift in concept reflects a deep understanding that military superiority today is primarily qualitative, and that readiness is measured not by numbers, but by the ability to make the right decision at the critical moment.

Technology occupies a central position in this future vision. Artificial intelligence, unmanned systems, and cyberspace are no longer supplementary elements, but have become fundamental pillars in command, control, and operational planning systems. Integrating these tools into the structure of the armed forces reflects an understanding that the modern battle begins with information, and that possessing the ability to collect, analyze, and protect it is a prerequisite for effective deterrence and the protection of the state's strategic centers of gravity.

However, the Royal vision does not view technology in isolation from the human element, but rather emphasizes that the qualified military personnel are the foundation upon which any advanced capability is built. Hence, the call for a comprehensive review of the organizational structure and the development of training and armament systems to ensure the creation of a highly disciplined professional force capable of adapting to various scenarios and maintaining performance efficiency in both normal and exceptional circumstances.

The issue of reserve forces and logistical support also acquires a central dimension in this forward-looking approach. National security, according to this perspective, is no longer the responsibility of the active force alone, but an integrated system that requires human and organizational depth capable of rapid response and long-term sustainability. The reactivation of compulsory military service comes in this context, not merely as a mobilization measure, but as part of a broader philosophy aimed at strengthening the partnership between civil society and the military establishment, and linking security with both the state and society.

In parallel, national defense industries are being emphasized as a key to strategic independence. Redirecting the role of this sector to become a true nucleus for research and development reflects an awareness that possessing the ability to produce and develop defense technology is no longer a luxury, but a necessity dictated by the transformations in the global arms market and the accompanying political constraints. This approach grants Jordan greater room for maneuver and enhances its ability to meet its defense needs according to its national priorities.

The response sent by the Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff, Yousef Huneiti, reflected a high level of harmony between the political and military leadership, and confirmed the readiness to translate the Royal vision into executive programs and a practical roadmap. This harmony is a crucial factor in the success of any structural transformation, as rebuilding an institution the size of the armed forces requires clarity of vision, unity of decision, and the ability to manage change efficiently and responsibly.

In short, what the Jordanian army is witnessing today is not merely a modernization process, but a deliberate transition towards a new military model that is compatible with the nature of the current phase and its challenges. It is a Royal foresight for the future of national security, based on smart deterrence, technological integration, and community partnership, redefining the role of the armed forces as the safety valve of the state and the cornerstone of its stability in a regional environment open to all possibilities.

Hasan Dajah — professor of Strategic Studies, Al-Hussein Bin Talal University