In a display of military solidarity and preparedness, the United States and 32 partner nations have convened in Jordan for the Eager Lion exercise, a biannual event that demonstrates the collective power and interoperability of allied forces in the face of regional challenges.

The 2024 iteration of the exercise, which runs through May 23, is not just a routine drill but a strategic maneuver, underscoring the US’s unwavering presence in the Middle East and its commitment to countering hybrid threats.

Jean Loup Semaan, a senior research fellow at the Middle East Institute, emphasized the US’s unique capability to marshal such an impressive coalition, stating, “No other country is able to organize exercises of such scale in the Middle East.”

The exercise, as Norman Ricklefs of NAMEA Group pointed out, highlights the US’s pivotal role in supporting the majority of Middle Eastern militaries, as well as those of other allied countries, including ones as far afield as Poland, Australia, and Japan.

Eager Lion 24 kicked off with an opening ceremony at the King Abdullah II Special Operations Training Center in Amman, commemorating 75 years of US-Jordan relations. It is the most significant exercise between the US military and the Jordanian Armed Forces, with a focus on enhancing cooperation and interoperability across multiple domains, including air, land, sea, and cyber.

Notably, this year’s exercise includes field training with live-fire drills, command post exercises, and strategic information-sharing seminars.

The exercise’s timing is particularly poignant, following Iran’s drone and missile attack on Israel last month.

Ryan Bohl, a senior Middle East analyst at the RANE network, acknowledged the heightened interest in air defenses, noting, “The US showed that through intense regional coordination, it is capable of shooting down a mass barrage attack launched by a rival like Iran.”

While the drills serve multiple purposes, from preparing for cyber threats to advancing counterterrorism skills, they also carry symbolic weight.

Michael Rubin, an analyst at the American Enterprise Institute, highlighted the reassurance this exercise provides to regional partners, saying, “What this does is send a signal to many of the GCC states that we’re not simply going to turn our backs on all the monarchs.” He also stressed the importance of building cooperation between Arab armies as a deterrent to Iran’s military ambitions.

Special Operations Forces (SOF) play a prominent role in Eager Lion, reflecting a strategic focus on the agile and versatile components of modern warfare.

As part of America’s vision for a global SOF alliance, these exercises are vital in maintaining a ready and responsive force, prepared to confront insurgencies, terrorism, and transnational criminal organizations.

The significance of Eager Lion extends beyond military maneuvers. It is an exercise in building relationships that can bridge political divides in times of crisis.

Major General Ken Tovo of the US Special Operations Command encapsulated this sentiment, stating the goal is to “build partnerships and friendships that will allow us to serve successfully together to meet any challenges that our nations ask us to.”

Eager Lion represents more than just a convergence of military might; it is a testament to the enduring alliances that shape our geopolitical landscape. As these nations come together to demonstrate their defensive capabilities, they send a clear message of unity and resolve, signaling to adversaries that the coalition stands ready to respond to any threat that may arise.

Relevant articles:
– US gathers more participants for Eager Lion exercise, reminding Iran of its influence: Analysts, Breaking Defense
– Jordan Hosts U.S. forces and partner nations for premiere Exercise Eager Lion 24, CentCom (.mil)
– US, 18 other nations, wrap up Eager Lion military exercise in Jordan, The Christian Science Monitor