Eager Lion 2026: US and Jordan Launch First Stateside Military Drills to Boost Middle East Security
The United States and Jordan kicked off the 12th Eager Lion exercise on September 15, hosting more than 200 troops at Fort Carson, Colorado. The biennial drill focuses on counter‑terrorism, air defense, maritime security, cyber operations and disaster response, marking the first time the U.S. has h…
On September 15, the United States and Jordan commenced the 12th edition of the Eager Lion military exercise, a biennial drill that has become a cornerstone of U.S.‑Jordanian defense cooperation. More than 200 personnel from both sides converged on Fort Carson in Colorado for a two‑week training period that will test and refine joint capabilities across a range of scenarios.
What Happened at Fort Carson
The exercise began with a joint briefing that outlined the day‑to‑day agenda, followed by a series of live‑fire and simulation exercises. U.S. National Guard units from Colorado and Illinois joined Jordanian forces in drills that emphasized counter‑terrorism operations, air‑defense coordination, maritime security protocols, cyber‑warfare tactics, and emergency response procedures. The training was designed to enhance interoperability, ensuring that both militaries can operate seamlessly in high‑pressure environments.
Background of the Eager Lion Series
Eager Lion is a biennial exercise that started in 2004, originally hosted by Jordan. It has evolved into a comprehensive platform for the two armed forces to test joint operational concepts and improve mutual readiness. The 2026 edition marks a historic shift: for the first time, the United States has taken the hosting role, reflecting the deepening trust and strategic alignment between the two countries.
Central to this partnership is the U.S. National Guard’s State Partnership Program (SPP), which pairs state National Guard units with foreign militaries to build long‑term security ties. Colorado and Jordan entered into an SPP relationship in 2004, creating a foundation of shared training, cultural exchange, and professional development that has spanned more than two decades.
Strategic Significance for Middle East Security
Both sides view Eager Lion as a critical component of broader Middle East security architecture. The U.S. has repeatedly highlighted Jordan’s role as a stabilizing force in the region, citing its strategic location, moderate governance, and robust military capabilities. By conducting joint exercises that cover counter‑terrorism and cyber operations, the two nations aim to deter hostile actors and reinforce a shared commitment to regional stability.
Adm. Brad Cooper, commander of U.S. Central Command, emphasized the importance of the partnership, stating that “our longstanding military-to-military ties with the Jordanian Armed Forces are stronger than ever.” He added that the joint training would “further strengthen our collective operational effectiveness and readiness.”
What Comes Next?
After the two‑week exercise concludes, both militaries will conduct after‑action reviews to assess performance, identify lessons learned, and plan for future training cycles. The experience gained at Fort Carson will inform subsequent joint operations, including potential rapid‑response deployments to the Middle East. The U.S. and Jordan have also expressed interest in expanding the scope of Eager Lion to include additional partner nations in future iterations.
While the exercise itself is complete, the partnership between the U.S. and Jordan remains dynamic. Both sides continue to engage in diplomatic dialogues, intelligence sharing, and humanitarian initiatives that reinforce the strategic bond forged through Eager Lion.
Key Takeaways
- The 2026 Eager Lion exercise was the first time the U.S. hosted the event, signaling a deepening partnership.
- Over 200 U.S. and Jordanian troops participated, focusing on counter‑terrorism, air defense, maritime security, cyber operations, and disaster response.
- The drill took place at Fort Carson, Colorado, under the auspices of U.S. Central Command and the Jordanian Armed Forces.
- Colorado’s National Guard units from Colorado and Illinois were key participants, reflecting the State Partnership Program’s long‑standing relationship with Jordan.
- The exercise aims to enhance joint operational readiness and reinforce U.S. commitments to Middle East stability.
- Future iterations may broaden the scope to include additional partner nations and expanded training scenarios.
Frequently Asked Questions
- What is Eager Lion? Eager Lion is a biennial joint military exercise between the United States and Jordan that focuses on counter‑terrorism, air defense, maritime security, cyber operations, and disaster response.
- Why was the U.S. chosen to host in 2026? The U.S. hosting marks a historic milestone, reflecting the deepening trust and strategic alignment between the two countries and leveraging U.S. facilities like Fort Carson for large‑scale training.
- What is the State Partnership Program? The SPP pairs U.S. state National Guard units with foreign militaries to build long‑term security cooperation through joint training, cultural exchange, and professional development.
- How does this exercise impact Middle East security? By improving interoperability and readiness, the exercise strengthens the U.S. and Jordan’s ability to deter threats and respond rapidly to regional crises.
- Will future Eager Lion exercises include more countries? Both sides have expressed interest in expanding the program to involve additional partner nations in future iterations.
Why it matters
The exercise demonstrates how U.S. and Jordanian forces are tightening their operational ties, which is vital for counter‑terrorism efforts and maintaining stability in a volatile region.
Key points
- First U.S. hosting of Eager Lion marks a historic milestone
- 200+ troops trained on counter‑terrorism, air defense, cyber and disaster response
- Fort Carson serves as a key training hub
- Colorado’s National Guard partnership with Jordan spans two decades
- Exercise strengthens regional security and U.S. commitments
- Future expansions may include more partner nations
Frequently asked questions
What is Eager Lion?
Eager Lion is a biennial joint military exercise between the United States and Jordan that focuses on counter‑terrorism, air defense, maritime security, cyber operations, and disaster response.
Why was the U.S. chosen to host in 2026?
The U.S. hosting marks a historic milestone, reflecting the deepening trust and strategic alignment between the two countries and leveraging U.S. facilities like Fort Carson for large‑scale training.
What is the State Partnership Program?
The SPP pairs U.S. state National Guard units with foreign militaries to build long‑term security cooperation through joint training, cultural exchange, and professional development.
How does this exercise impact Middle East security?
By improving interoperability and readiness, the exercise strengthens the U.S. and Jordan’s ability to deter threats and respond rapidly to regional crises.
Will future Eager Lion exercises include more countries?
Both sides have expressed interest in expanding the program to involve additional partner nations in future iterations.
