The Royal Jordanian Air Force (RJAF) has put its Chinese-made armed unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs) up for sale, indicating its disappointment with their performance.
In a notice posted on its website on 3 June, the RJAF said it was looking to sell six CH-4B UAVs, a type made by the China Aerospace Science and Technology Corporation (CASC). The RJAF acquired the type in 2016 along with AR-1 laser-guided missiles and FT-9 guided bombs. The Jordanian aircraft are capable of operating beyond line of sight as they are fitted with satellite communications equipment.
The RJAF declines to explain specific issues with aircraft or sale prices, says Colonel Ayman Al Habahbeh, chief of aircraft supply branch.
“We are selling these platforms to meet our plans in restructuring our air force and downsizing it to be more effective, and have a common configuration of platforms that can be more-easily sustained,” he says.
In total, the Jordanian armed forces are advertising 29 aircraft for sale: two Airbus C-295 transport aircraft; two CASA/IPTN CN-235 transport aircraft; one Lockheed C-130B transport aircraft; 12 BAE Systems Hawk jet trainers; six CH-4B UAVs; and six MD Helicopters MD 530 light helicopters.
Many of the aircraft are well worn. For example, its six MD 530 helicopters have an average age of nearly 31 years, according to Cirium’s Fleets Analyzer.
However, its six CH-4B UAVs were reportedly delivered about two years ago. The RCAF told Shepard Media in November 2018 it was not happy with the aircraft’s performance and was looking to retire them.
Photo: CH-4B at the SOFEX show held in May 2018 – IHS Markit/Patrick Allen
Source: Jane’s 360