‘KADDB to become main provider of army’s weapons, defence equipment’

AMMAN — The King Abdullah II Design and Development Bureau (KADDB) will become the number one provider of weapons and ammunition to the army and other security bodies in the near future, according to its director.

In a recent interview with Al Rai Arabic daily, KADDB Director General Maj. Gen. Omar Al Khaldi said Jordan now has qualified human resources that transformed the Kingdom into an advanced defence equipment manufacturer. 

Khaldi added that Jordan now has a major defence industry with qualified staff, noting that between 40 to 70 per cent of the army and other security services’ equipment needs are covered locally.

Noting that KADDB’s products are exported to 42 countries, he said the bureau will soon be covering 100 per cent of the ammunition and armament needs of the Jordan Armed Forces-Arab Army (JAF) and other security agencies.

In order to ensure the state’s control on weapons and ammunition, Khaldi also explained that KADDB has prepared a draft weapons and ammunition law which contains important provisions that seek to safeguard the country’s security and stability. 

“Production of military equipment has to be regulated by a law that serves all,” he told Al Rai.

Khaldi also noted that KADDB is not allowing any investments in Jordan in the arms and ammunition sector, adding that the bureau is now examining deals with Qatar, Egypt and Morocco. 

Established in 1999, KADDB is an independent government entity within JAF that aims to be the globally preferred partner in designing and developing defence products and security solutions in the region, according to its website.

The scope of work conducted by the bureau covers the full spectrum of defence design and development, test and evaluation, technology incubation in the Kingdom, in addition to defence technology training.