The government of Jordan has made an official request to purchase Patriot anti-ballistic missile defense systems from Germany. Amman made the request to the German Embassy.

The report appears in the French media, stating Jordan wishes to buy four Patriot batteries which it wishes to deploy near the Syrian border. Amman fears the continued anarchy in Damascus may lead to a military conflict.

According to a HaMevaser report quoting the French Le Figaro newspaper, Germany has turned to Washington to ascertain if the White House has objections to complying with the purchase request and the White House has turned to Israel to see if Jerusalem is okay with Jordan acquiring the Patriots.

Since the Gulf War, the United States has been protecting Jordan with Patriots but now Amman wishes to purchase the system. The system was designed by the United States and therefore, under the terms of the sale of the Patriots, Germany must receive US approval before selling the system to Jordan.

The report signals this appears to be a formality and the US is expected to approve the request towards completing the deal between Berlin and Amman.

(YWN – Israel Desk, Jerusalem)