Royal Tank Museum

Royal Tank Museum

Royal Tank Museum in Amman
Established	2018, January 29
Location	Amman,  Jordan
Coordinates	31°54′31.0″N 35°55′28.0″E / 31.908611°N 35.924444°E / 31.908611; 35.924444
Type	Military Museum
Website	https://rtm.jo/

The Royal Tank Museum (Arabic: متحف الدبابات الملكي) is a military museum located in Amman, Jordan, was inaugurated on January 29, 2018. Located next to the King Abdullah II Park in Al Muqabalain.^[1] The Royal Tank Museum spans an area of approximately 20,000 square meters and houses around 110 tanks and armored vehicles from Jordan, Arab nations, and foreign countries, displayed in chronological order.^[2] The collection includes a number of American, British, Soviet, and German-made vehicles, with a dedicated hall showcasing local military industries.^[3] The museum features both original and restored rare items, illustrating the historical evolution of military vehicles since 1915. The museum's design was created by Jordanian architect Zaid Dawood.^[4]

It is dedicated to Jordan's military heritage, showcasing vehicles used in Jordan and the region.^[5] These exhibits illustrate the impact of wars on Jordan's historical transformations, offering an educational and interactive experience through audiovisual technologies. In addition to its permanent displays, the museum features a demonstration program of tanks and armored vehicles in an outdoor arena. The museum and its grounds cover 100,000 square meters.^[6] Construction took nearly ten years, and it is managed by a Board of Trustees, which includes organizations such as the Greater Amman Municipality, the King Abdullah II Design and Development Bureau, the Royal Special Operations, and the Royal Automobile Museum.^[7][8][9]

Since 1977, Jordan had only one military museum dedicated to its military history, the Martyr's Memorial Museum, located in the Sports City of Amman. This museum showcases military vehicles and weapons in chronological order.^[10]

The Royal Tank Museum was established following a transformation in the quality, size, and specialization of museums in Jordan. The idea for creating the museum dates back to 2002 when it was initially planned to be located in Aqaba, southern Jordan, specifically adjacent to the Port of Aqaba, where many military vehicles were stored. However, the construction site was later moved to the eastern part of the capital, Amman, after the Greater Amman Municipality provided the land for the project, which spans 100,000 square meters.^[11]

Construction of the Royal Tank Museum in Amman began following the issuance of an official royal decree in 2007.^[12] The project took more than ten years to complete and was inaugurated by King Abdullah II of Jordan on January 29, 2018, as part of the kingdom's celebrations marking the centenary of the Arab Revolt and the 50th anniversary of the Battle of Karama.^[13][14][15]

The museum's primary objective is to preserve and showcase tanks and armored vehicles from the Jordanian Armed Forces, as well as other military heritage from around the world, for public viewing.^[16] Each tank retains its original color and military unit number, with efforts made to restore its interior components. The restoration process was supervised by the museum's board of trustees and the Jordanian Department of Heritage, with assistance from international specialists.^[17][18]

During its first four days of operatioweln, the museum comed over 13,000 visitors, including officials and military attaches from various countries.^[13] Since its opening, the museum has also organized educational tours for school students, employing interactive methods to explain the history of tanks. A portion of the construction and operational costs was covered through donations.^[19][20]

This museum is the second of its kind in the Middle East; Israel opened a tank and armored vehicle museum in Latrun in 1982, following its occupation of the West Bank in the 1967 war, which had been under Jordanian administration prior to that.^[21] Most other tank museums worldwide are located in countries such as Germany, Spain, Australia, the United Kingdom, Belgium, Poland, the Czech Republic, Russia, Slovakia, Switzerland, China, France, Finland, Canada, India, the Netherlands, and the United States.^[22] Several international tank museums, including the Tank Museum in Dorset and the Imperial War Museum in London, contributed to the organization of this project.^[23]

The Royal Tank Museum displays a wide array of weapons used by the Royal Jordanian Army since its establishment in 1920. The collection features a total of 46 types of tanks, armored vehicles, and other military vehicles, some of which remain in active service while others have been retired. As of 2018,^[24][25][26] Jordan possesses a diverse inventory of 1,321 tanks, 2,547 armored vehicles, and 461 self-propelled guns, placing it 18th globally in terms of tank strength, 30th in armored vehicle strength, and 15th in self-propelled artillery strength.^[27]

Additionally, the Jordanian military has acquired various other assets, including wheeled and tracked tank destroyers, artillery pieces, infantry fighting vehicles, and rocket launchers. Notably, the Bofors 40mm was the first anti-aircraft artillery to serve in the Jordanian forces, while the South African Marmon-Herrington was the first armored vehicle. The American M4 Sherman was the first tank in the Jordanian arsenal, followed by the British Centurion, American M47 Patton, American M48 Patton, American M60, British Chieftain, and British Challenger 1.^[28]

The Jordanian Armed Forces have implemented modifications to some of these tanks, enhancing their operational range, increasing payload capacity, and reducing operational costs related to spare parts and repairs.^[29]

Several countries have contributed to the Royal Tank Museum by providing tanks, armored vehicles, and supporting machinery. The Czech Republic and France have engaged in exchanges of tanks with Jordan, while nations such as Albania, Brunei, Spain, Switzerland, South Africa, Syria, and Azerbaijan have donated tanks, some of which have participated in various conflicts.^[30] Israeli media reported that Israel gifted the museum a Merkava tank; however, Jordanian official sources denied these claims.^[31][32]

Jordan's strong diplomatic relations with various governments have facilitated the acquisition of a diverse and rare collection of military vehicles, many of which served in NATO forces, while others were part of the Warsaw Pact. The museum features a wide range of exhibits that encompass various time periods and conflicts, dividing its display halls into sections that guide visitors through different military histories.^[33][34]

In addition to showcasing weapons from regional and global conflicts—ranging from World War I and World War II to the Arab-Israeli wars and the Gulf War—the museum provides a detailed account of Jordan's military history. It emphasizes the role of tanks within the Jordanian Armed Forces and Jordan's involvement in the Israeli–Palestinian conflict. Despite this variety, the majority of the tanks on display are of American and British manufacture, reflecting the historical alliance between Jordan and these nations.

The Royal Tank Museum is located within the King Abdullah II Gardens, which span approximately 550 dunams in the Al-Muqabalain area of eastern Amman. Specifically, it is situated at the intersection of Al-Sakhra Al-Musharrafah Street and Jamal Badran Street. The building is adjacent to several landmarks, including Jordan Media City, the Jordan Radio and Television Corporation, the Jordan Post Office, the Border Guards Center, and the South Amman Police Directorate. It is also located just 5 kilometers south of the city center.^[35][36]

Access to the museum can be achieved via public transportation, specifically through bus line 103, as well as neighboring routes 144 and 145; however, a supplementary means of transport may be required.^[37] Photography is permitted within the museum, and entry requires a ticket priced between 2 to 5 Jordanian dinars, depending on the visitor's age and residency status (children under 12 years of age are admitted free of charge). The museum is open every day except Tuesday and features ample parking for both cars and buses, with facilities accommodating individuals with special needs.^[38]

The Royal Tank Museum features a futuristic design, consisting of two levels shaped like a square fort with four main pillars. This design is inspired by the desert palaces found in the Jordanian Badia, symbolizing the actual power and durability of tanks while reflecting the general form of a tank itself. At the center of the building sits a glass dome from which a Cobra attack helicopter is suspended, representing the transition from Jordan's ancient heritage to the future.^[39]

Various materials were utilized in the design of the museum during its construction, including a metal structure, woodwork, acoustic insulation, glass, and fiberglass-reinforced concrete. The museum is considered a green building, as it collects water in a large reservoir located beneath it for later reuse. ^[40]Additionally, solar panels are installed to generate clean electrical energy, and special energy-saving lighting systems based on LED technology illuminate the interior of the museum.^[41][42]

The architectural design was crafted by the Jordanian firm Zaid Dawood Architects, which also created all multimedia works and graphics within the museum.^[43] Design oversight was managed by Sigma Engineering Consultants, and several contracting companies executed the project in phases starting from 2007, including the Central Contracting Company and the Consolidated Contractors Company. The project has received several international awards for its unique design.^[44][45]

The exhibition halls are divided into 14 different sections, both temporally and spatially, featuring sound effects, soldier mannequins, and display screens to enhance the visitor experience.^[46]

This floor is the main level of the building and includes all fourteen halls that comprise the museum's sections. Visitors start at the reception and ticket area, located in the pre-arming zone. This is followed by a space dedicated to the Great Arab Revolt and World War I, succeeded by the area focusing on World War II.

Next, the halls for Jerusalem, the Arab Army, and the Royal Armored Corps from the 1950s and 1960s overlap, leading visitors to the Hall of the Battle of Karama. Following this, the area covering the Arab-Israeli wars is presented, culminating in the heart of the museum, represented by the Hall of King Abdullah II, which features the distinctive Cobra helicopter suspended from the museum's glass dome.

Adjacent to this space are additional halls, including the cutaway tank and support and reinforcement sections. Visitors then proceed to the battle tank halls and the international hall, concluding with the local military industries hall affiliated with the King Abdullah II Design and Development Bureau. This floor also houses service areas, such as a gift shop displaying locally made souvenirs.^[3]

The floor includes service and administrative areas, housing the offices of the museum's management, staff, and operators. It also encompasses the museum library, a research center and archive, a lecture hall, and a platform for distinguished visitors overlooking the outdoor track designated for military demonstrations involving tanks and armored vehicles. Additionally, there is a section for military-themed electronic games for children, situated between this floor and the ground floor.^[47]

The museum is divided into several sections, organized chronologically along two main axes: the first highlights the development of tank usage within the Jordanian Armed Forces, while the second traces the global evolution of tanks. This layout allows visitors to explore both the national and international history of tanks, reflecting in Jordan's military history and their broader global context.^[21]

The exhibition features a model of the first tank conceptualized by Italian artist Leonardo da Vinci in the 15th century, known as Leonardo's fighting vehicle.^[48] This model, capable of rotating 360 degrees and designed to carry multiple weapons, was created by Jordanian designer Islam Kharim.^[49] Additionally, the exhibition showcases the Al-Hussein tank, developed in Jordan, as well as a statue of a medieval knight in full armor. These displays highlight both historical innovations in warfare and modern Jordanian military advancements.

The collection features a three-dimensional panorama depicting the events of the Arab Revolt in the South Jordan Theater, alongside a rare Rolls-Royce Limited military car used by Prince Faisal. Additionally, it includes some of the world’s first tanks, invented during World War I, with a particular highlight being the British Mark I tank, renowned as the first tank used in combat. These exhibits offer visitors a comprehensive view of early military vehicles and their role in shaping historical events.^[3]

The museum houses a collection of rare Western and Eastern tanks, armored vehicles, and artillery from World War II, representing both the Allied and Axis powers in the North African and Middle Eastern theaters, where Jordanian forces also played a role. Notable exhibits include the Grant M3 tank, symbolizing the beginning of American aid to Britain during the Battle of El Alamein, and German tanks and tank destroyers like the Panther, Panzer IV, and Hetzer, many of which belonged to the Afrika Korps and are displayed in desert camouflage.^[50]

The collection also features British tanks such as the Churchill and Crusader, alongside armored vehicles like the T17 Staghound, M8 Greyhound, and the iconic M4 Sherman, the most mass-produced tank of the era. Soviet contributions to the war are represented by tanks like the T-34 and the SU-100 tank destroyer, which played crucial roles in the Eastern Front. These Soviet tanks are part of a three-dimensional scene depicting key battles in Stalingrad and Berlin, providing visitors with an immersive experience of the war's major turning points.^[51]

The exhibit features a three-dimensional representation of a section of Jerusalem's fortifications, highlighting the Jordanian Armed Forces' defensive efforts against Israeli forces during the 1948 Arab-Israeli War. Among the vehicles displayed is the South African Marmon-Harrington, the first armored vehicle used by the Royal Jordanian Land Forces, along with other armored vehicles like the Canadian Otter and the British Humber. The hall also includes a depiction of the 1948 Battle of Latrun, located west of Jerusalem. Both scenes showcase Jordanian soldiers in traditional Arab attire, reflecting their preference for not wearing helmets at the time.

The collection includes military vehicles that were developed domestically during the 1950s and 1960s, as well as photographic documentation of military personnel, including officers, from that era.^[8]

Battle of Karameh, also known as the Battle of Dignity, took place in 1968 between the Jordanian army, alongside Palestinian Fedayeen forces, and the Israeli army. A wide array of military equipment was used during the conflict, including Jordanian M47 and M48 Patton tanks. The exhibit also features the M42 Duster, a self-propelled anti-aircraft weapon, as well as anti-aircraft and anti-tank guns, such as the Ordnance QF 25-pounder. Additionally, original Israeli military vehicles destroyed in the battle and later towed to Amman are on display, including the British Centurion tank and the American Super Sherman tank. The hall also includes a detailed three-dimensional battle plan of the conflict, which unfolded along a 40-kilometer front.^[52]

The tanks and armoured vehicles employed by the Jordanian army, along with other Arab armies, in the Arab-Israeli wars, commencing with the 1967 war, through the War of Attrition and concluding with the 1973 war in the Golan Heights, represent an aspect of military history. Among the most notable are the Jordanian Alvis Saladin armoured vehicle, the T-55 tank utilised by Egypt, Syria and Iraq, and the T-62 tank.

The exhibit includes a bisected Jordanian M48 Patton tank, allowing visitors to observe its interior, which contains the remains of soldiers and ammunition that were originally housed within. Additionally, the display features the tank's engine and a selection of different types of shells used in various tank models.

The document outlines the auxiliary services provided by tanks, detailing the associated management structures and the training programs established for the use of auxiliary weapons. Furthermore, it presents a conceptual model of the battlefield operations room.^[8]

The exhibit illustrates the operational principles of tanks using audiovisual effects and showcases a variety of military vehicles. This includes reconnaissance vehicles, tanks equipped with anti-aircraft weapons, motorized infantry units designed to neutralize enemy strongholds, and support guns utilized to facilitate breakthroughs.

The collection includes tanks from both Eastern and Western countries, acquired through gifts or military exchange programs. The tanks are categorized by their origin, with those from Western NATO countries grouped together and those from Eastern Warsaw Pact countries classified separately. Notable examples in the collection include the Soviet Iosif Stalin III, BMP-1, PT-76, T-34, T-54, T-64, and T-72 tanks, as well as the American M22 Locust and M41 tanks, along with the M36 and M50 Ontos tank destroyers. Additionally, the British Chieftain, Conqueror, and Comet tanks are prominently featured.^[53]

The museum features a section dedicated to Jordanian local military industries, developed by the King Abdullah II Design and Development Bureau. This area showcases several armored vehicles, including the Mard and Jawad, as well as the Stallion, which are employed in peacekeeping operations, internal security, and patrol duties. Additionally, the exhibition includes multi-purpose military vehicles such as the Desert Lily, Lynx, and Beast, all of which are four-wheel-drive armored vehicles.^[54]

The museum's collections encompass an archive of personal and official documents, photographs depicting battles and members of the Jordanian Armed Forces, as well as film and video materials. It also features oral history recordings, including battle speeches that visitors can hear during their tours of the respective historical periods. A notable artistic collection is displayed, including a panorama of the Arab Revolt and three-dimensional scenes from battles within sections dedicated to Jerusalem, the Royal Armored Corps, and the Battle of Karama, among other artworks.^[55]

Additionally, the museum houses a library containing numerous military books and research conducted by its research center.^[56][57] It features specialized halls that narrate events from Jordanian, regional, and global history, offering an educational and engaging experience for visitors through visual and audio technologies. The museum has also published calendars that highlight a curated selection of exhibits showcasing tanks from World War II, photographed in various locations throughout Jordan.^[58]

The following list comprises the names of the majority of tanks and armored vehicles on display, most of which were produced in the Soviet Union/Russia, Nazi Germany, Britain, or the United States. Additionally, the list includes vehicles that have been modified, reproduced, or renamed in Jordan and the Middle East,^[59] as well as a considerable number of other weapons, including cannons, transport vehicles, support vehicles, military motorcycles, and others.

State	Military Machine	Type	Photo	Country of origin	Notes
Jordan	Ratel IFV	Infantry Fighting Vehicle		South Africa	It was produced in the 1970s at a time when the South African government was internationally accused of practicing apartheid policies.[60][61]
Jordan	Marmon-Herrington armoured car	Light Armored Vehicle		South Africa  United Kingdom	Entered service in 1940. Used by Jordan against Israel in the 1948 war.[62]
Jordan	Otter Light Reconnaissance Car	Light Reconnaissance Vehicle		Canada	It entered service in 1941 and was used for reconnaissance during World War II, by the British Mandate government in Palestine for police, and by Jordan against Israel in the 1948 war.[63][64]
Jordan	Alvis Saladin	Armored vehicle		United Kingdom	It was produced in 1958 and used by several Arab armies. Participated against Israel in the 1967 war.[65]
Jordan	Ordnance QF 25-pounder	Field gun Howitzer		United Kingdom	He participated in the battles of Jerusalem in 1948 against Israeli forces, as well as in the Battle of Karama in 1968.[66]
Jordan	Charioteer	Cruiser tankTank destroyer		United Kingdom	It entered service in 1950 as a development of the British Cromwell tank. It was used by the Jordanian army in the 1950s and was later sold to Lebanon, where it was later used by several parties in the Lebanese Civil War.
Jordan	Challenger 1	Main Battle Tank		United Kingdom  Jordan	Jordan has been modifying the Challenger 1 tank since 1983. It currently owns 390 of them.[67]
Jordan	Khalid ibn al-Walid	Main Battle Tank		United Kingdom  Jordan	Jordan has been modifying the Chieftain tank gun since 1981, introducing an advanced fire control system. Jordan has 274 of these tanks.[68]
Jordan	Daimler Dingo	Reconnaissance tank		United Kingdom	A four-wheel-drive armored vehicle produced in Britain between 1940 and 1945. Other countries continued to produce it until 1968, and it was used by Jordan in the 1950s.[69]
Jordan	Centurion	Main Battle Tank		United Kingdom	It participated against Israel on the Golan front in the 1973 war as part of the 40th Armored Brigade.[70]
Jordan	Tariq bin Ziyad	Main Battle Tank		United Kingdom  Jordan	Jordan has been modifying the Centurion since 1986, introducing an advanced fire control system to the tank's gun, which includes a laser rangefinder and a wind sensor. The tank's engine was replaced with a more advanced one and the original suspension was replaced with an air-hydraulic system. Jordan has 293 of these tanks.
Jordan	Archer (tank destroyer)	Self-propelled artillery		United Kingdom	It went into production in 1943 and was installed on the Valentine tank during World War II. It was also used by several Arab armies, such as the Egyptian army during the 1956 Tripartite Aggression.[71]
Jordan	Humber armoured car	Armored car		United Kingdom	Produced in 1941, it fought against Israel in the 1948 war.[72]
Jordan	M4 Sherman	Medium tank		United States	The first tank to serve in the Royal Jordanian Land Forces since 1942.[73]
Jordan	M42 Duster	Self-propelled anti-aircraft weapon		United States	It participated against Israel in the 1968 Battle of Karama. One of them was recently sunk in the waters of the Gulf of Aqaba for tourism and environmental purposes.[74]
Jordan	M47 Patton	Main Battle Tank		United States	It participated against Israel in the Battle of Karama in 1968 and before that in the 1967 war.[75]
Jordan	M48 Patton	Main Battle Tank		United States	It participated against Israel in the Battle of Karama in 1968 and before that in the 1967 war.[76]
Jordan	M60 tank	Main Battle Tank		United States  Jordan	Jordan has been modifying the M-60 Patton tank since 2003 with different armor and armament that improves accuracy when firing on the move. It has 182 of these tanks.[77]
Jordan	M113 armored personnel carrier	Troop carrier		United States	An amphibious tracked troop carrier that participated against Israel in the 1967 and 1973 wars, and was also used by Israel in the same wars and in the 1982 invasion of Lebanon.[78]
Israel	AMX-13	Light Tank		United Kingdom	It entered service in 1952, and was used by Israel in the 1956 War, the 1967 War, and the 1973 War on the Sinai, Golan, and Jordan fronts. It was also used by many parties in the Lebanese civil war.
Israel	Centurion (tank)	Main Battle Tank		United Kingdom	It participated against Jordan in the Battle of Karama in 1968, and a number of them were destroyed and withdrawn to Amman. Participated in the 1967 and 1973 wars.[79]
Israel	Super Sherman	Main Battle Tank		United States	It participated against Jordan in the Battle of Karama in 1968, and a number of them were destroyed and withdrawn to Amman. Participated in the 1967 and 1973 wars.[80]
Syria	T-55	Main Battle Tank		Soviet Union	Participated against Israel on the Golan front in the 1973 war.[81]
Egypt	T-62	Main Battle Tank		Soviet Union	It participated against Israel on the Sinai front in the 1973 war.[82]

State	Military Machine	Type	Photo	Country of origin	Notes
Germany	Panther tank	Medium Tank		Nazi Germany	Operational from 1943 until the end of World War II in 1945, it was intended as a counter to the Soviet T-34 tank and to replace older German tanks such as the Panzer III and Panzer IV.[83]
Germany	Panzer IV	Medium Tank		Nazi Germany	Operational from 1939 until the end of World War II in 1945, it was designed as an infantry support tank and was not originally intended to engage enemy armor, but it served as a battle tank against the Soviet T-34 battle tank. It was one of the most exported German tanks of the period.[84]
Germany	Jagdpanther	Light Tank destroyer		Nazi Germany	This destroyer entered service in 1944 and is based on the Panther tank design.[85]
Germany	8.8 cm Flak 18/36/37/41	Anti-aircraft and anti-tank gun		Nazi Germany	It was introduced in 1932. It was one of the most famous and powerful weapons of World War II, and was known for its accuracy and intensity of fire and the ability of its shells to penetrate various armor, so it was manufactured in large numbers.[86][87]
Germany	Sd.Kfz. 2	Motorcycle Half-track		Nazi Germany	Produced in 1939, it was used on several fronts in World War II, such as the Eastern and Western Fronts and the North African Theater.[88]
Germany	Hetzer	Light Tank destroyer		Nazi Germany	This destroyer was built in 1943 based on the design of the Czechoslovakian Panzer 38 light tank and the Romanian Marshall tank destroyer.[89]
South Africa	Eland armoured car	Light Armored Vehicle		South Africa	This 4x4 armored vehicle was introduced in 1962 and is based on the design of the Benhard AML 4x4 armored vehicle.[90]
South Africa	Ratel IFV	Infantry vehicle		South Africa	It was produced in 1977 and has been involved in a number of conflicts, African civil wars and the Yemen War. Jordan has been using it since 2003.[91]
United Kingdom	Churchill tank	Heavy Infantry tank		United Kingdom	The British developed it so that it could beat the German Tiger-1 tank in the North African theater.[92]
United Kingdom	Chieftain (tank)	Main Battle Tank		United Kingdom	It entered service in 1966 and was the UK's main battle tank during the 1970s before being replaced by the Challenger 1. It served in several armies in the region, including Jordan, Iraq, Iran and Israel.[93]
United Kingdom	Valentine tank	Infantry tank		United Kingdom
United Kingdom	Crusader tank	Cruiser tank		United Kingdom	It was produced in 1941 and served in the North African Theater during World War II, and was replaced by the M3 Lee Grant in the Battle of El Alamein.[94]
United Kingdom	Comet (tank)	Cruiser tank		United Kingdom	It was produced in 1943 as a development of the British Cromwell tank to counter the German Panther and Tiger-1 tanks.[95]
United Kingdom	Conqueror (tank)	Heavy Tank		United Kingdom	A heavy tank produced against the Soviet Iosif Stalin in the post-World War II period in 1955, its role was to provide long-range anti-tank support to the British Centurion tank.[53]
United Kingdom	Loyd Carrier	Armoured personnel carrier		United Kingdom
United Kingdom	Mark 1	Heavy Tank		United Kingdom	The world's first manufactured tank. It participated in World War I against the Germans for the first time on the French front in 1916, but it suffered from multiple issues due to its primitive nature.[96]
United Kingdom	Matilda I (tank)	Infantry tank		United Kingdom	Production began in 1937 and continued until 1940, with a total of 140 tanks produced.[97]
United Kingdom	Universal Carrier	Armoured personnel carrier		United Kingdom  Canada
Russia	SU-100	Tank Destroyer		Soviet Union	It was developed in 1943 based on the design of the T-34 tank. It was heavily used at the end of World War II, the Suez Crisis, the 1967 War, the 1973 War, and the Yemen War.[98][99][100]
Russia	IS tank family	Heavy Tank		Soviet Union	It began to be used globally in 1943. In the Middle East, it was part of the Egyptian forces in the 1967 war against Israel.[101]
Russia	BMP-1	Armoured fighting vehicle		Soviet Union	An amphibious vehicle that entered service in 1966. It was used in the 1973 war, the Lebanese Civil War, the Syrian crisis, and the Ukrainian revolution. Jordan has used the BMP-2 since 1987.
Russia	BRDM-2	Amphibious vehicle		Soviet Union
Russia	T-34	Medium Tank		Soviet Union	Introduced in 1940, it was instrumental in ending World War II on the Eastern Front and protecting Moscow from falling to the Germans.[102]
Russia	T-50 tank	Light Infantry tank		Soviet Union	A very limited number were manufactured in 1941 due to their high cost, complexity of design, and difficulty in mobility, although they did incorporate upgrades from earlier Soviet tanks.[103]
Russia	T-64	Main Battle Tank		Soviet Union	Production began in 1964. It is considered a second generation main battle tank.[104]
Russia	T-72	Main Battle Tank		Soviet Union	Production began in 1971. It is considered a second generation main battle tank.[105]
Russia	Strela (rocket)	Surface-to-air missile		Soviet Union	It was introduced in 1976 and has been used in several conflicts, including the Syrian crisis.[106]
France	AMX-30	Main Battle Tank		France	It was introduced in 1966.[107]
France	Panhard EBR	Armored vehicle		France	This eight-wheeled armored vehicle was typical of the French army during the 1950s. It was later found to be too heavy for many missions and could be driven in opposite directions.[108]
United States	M3 Lee	Medium Tank		United States	Produced in 1941, it was the beginning of the United States' assistance to the Allied forces in World War II.[109]
United States	M4 Sherman	Medium Tank		United States	A medium tank that began production in 1942, it was the most produced tank of World War II with more production than all tanks in the Third Reich for the entire war period. It was simple, uncomplicated, and armored, although it was not very efficient.[110]
United States	M8 Greyhound	Lightly armored six-wheel drive		United States	It was produced in 1942.[111]
United States	M22 Locust	Light Tank		United States	It was produced in 1941 when the U.S. Ordnance Department received a request from the British War Office and began working on design and production. It was used by the Allies in World War II and by Egyptian forces in the 1948 war.[112]
United States	M36 tank destroyer	Tank destroyer		United States	Production began in 1943, and it participated in World War II in Europe a year later, the Korean War, and the Iran-Iraq War.[113]
United States	M41 Walker Bulldog	Light Tank		United States	Produced in 1952 for reconnaissance purposes. It was used by several NATO countries, Arab countries such as Jordan, Tunisia and Lebanon, and Asian and African countries. It participated in the Lebanese Civil War and the Vietnam War.[114][115][116]
United States	M60 tank	Main Battle Tank		United States	Production began in 1960 and has been used by troops from NATO and allied countries such as Jordan. Egypt and Turkey are currently the largest operators in the world.[117][118][119]

Additionally, the museum features a variety of military vehicles from several countries, including Sweden, Canada, Norway, and Austria. The collection includes tanks, armored vehicles, and other military equipment.

The Cobra attack helicopter, suspended in the center of the museum, stands as one of the most distinctive and prominent exhibits. King Abdullah II piloted this helicopter during his service in the Jordanian Armed Forces, reflecting his passion for aviation, which began in his youth after graduating from the Royal Military Academy Sandhurst in 1980. The helicopter remains operational, having undergone several upgrades. It has been utilized by the Royal Jordanian Air Force, along with other helicopters from two Cobra squadrons, since the 1980s as part of the combat helicopter wing, which was relocated to King Abdullah Air Base in 1999.^[120][121]

The Cobra helicopter was first produced in the United States in 1967, specifically for the Vietnam War. It was employed by both the U.S. military and navy and was sold to several countries, including Japan, Iran, and South Korea. Known as a "tank killer," the Cobra is equipped with eight TOW missiles, guided by optical tracking, with a range of up to 3.7 kilometers. Additionally, it is armed with 38 rocket launchers capable of hitting targets up to 6 kilometers away. The helicopter can reach speeds of up to 350 kilometers per hour.

Since the 1920s, the workshops of the Royal Jordanian Maintenance Corps have been responsible for maintaining and modifying a variety of military vehicles, including later additions of armored vehicles and tanks, to align with the operational requirements of the Jordanian Armed Forces.^[122]

The museum features a dedicated hall highlighting Jordanian local military industries developed by the King Abdullah II Design and Development Bureau (KADDB) since its establishment in 1999. ^[123]The bureau specializes in manufacturing various military vehicles, armored units, and equipment, as well as modifying existing models to meet the specific requirements of the Jordanian Armed Forces. KADDB is known for its expertise in armoring light, medium, and heavy vehicles to meet user specifications, and in producing custom armored vehicles that adhere to NATO protection standards. The bureau's services are utilized by over 35 countries globally.^[124]

Among the most notable vehicles produced by KADDB are the "Mared" and "Jawad" (also known as the Stallion), which are four-wheel-drive armored vehicles used in peacekeeping missions, internal security operations, and patrols.^[125] A number of these vehicles have been exported to various countries, including the Russian Federation. KADDB also modifies multi-purpose military vehicles, such as the MAP 2, and produces high-mobility armored vehicles like the "Washa" and "Monster." Additionally, the "Desert Iris," a vehicle with advanced capabilities that began production in 2002, has been exported to several Arab countries.^[126]

Furthermore, since 2008, Jordan has collaborated with Russia to enhance the armament of the FV 101 Scorpion reconnaissance vehicle, improving its operational effectiveness.^[127]

The outdoor park surrounding the Royal Tank Museum features a range of Jordanian tanks and armored vehicles used by the Jordanian Armed Forces at various times, with several having participated in historical conflicts. Notable exhibits include the British "Alvis Saladin" armored vehicle, the South African/British "Marmon-Herrington" armored car, and the British-made "Khalid bin al-Walid" (Chieftain) and "Tariq" (Centurion) tanks, as well as American-made M60 and M47 tanks. Over the years, Jordan has modified several of these vehicles.

The park spans approximately 80 dunams (around 20 acres) and features parking areas, a tank and armored vehicle track, green spaces, display areas, outdoor walkways, and vehicle entrances. It is part of the larger King Abdullah II Gardens, managed by the Greater Amman Municipality, and forms the northwestern section of the gardens.^[7]

The military equipment rental section at the Royal Tank Museum is a notable feature, established in 2015 to support international film production in Jordan and beyond. This initiative aims to provide a centralized location for military equipment, facilitating the needs of filmmakers through collaboration with the Royal Jordanian Film Commission.

This section offers a wide array of items, including civilian and military vehicles, motorcycles, heavy tanks, armored vehicles, military trucks, supply vehicles, field artillery, small arms, ammunition, radio equipment, field gear, tents, furniture, and military uniforms.^[128]

•  Russia - Museum of Military Vehicles in Vadim Zodorozhny (May 7, 2018)^[129]
•  United Kingdom - Dorset Tank Museum.
•  United Kingdom - Imperial War Museum in London

The museum is governed by a board of trustees that includes representatives from various organizations, such as the Greater Amman Municipality, the King Abdullah II Center for Design and Development, the Royal Special Operations, and the Royal Automobile Museum, among others.

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  An illustration of a vehicle on display.
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  Coalition and Axis tanks and vehicles.
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  World War II scenes from Stalingrad and Berlin
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  Entrance to the museum.
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  A number of tank shells.
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  The center of the museum from above
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  Arab Army Hall
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  Panorama of the Battle of Latrun 1948.
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  Arab-Israeli Wars Lounge.
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  Tank clip.
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  A model of the battlefield operations room.
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  Leonardo da Vinci's tank model.

• Royal Automobile Museum
• Special Operations Forces Exhibition

• Museum's official website
• An explanatory video about the Royal Tank Museum
• Museum report, World of Tanks Europe
• Photo tour of the museum, Al-Ghad newspaper
• Photo tour of the museum, Ruya Channel
• Aerial view of the museum in Amman, Wikimapia
• Information about tanks since 1915