Yousef Huneiti
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Yousef Huneiti | |
|---|---|
.jpg) Yousef Huneiti in 2024 | |
| Native name | يوسف الحنيطي |
| Born | Yousef al-Huneiti 2 March 1959 |
| Military career | |
| Allegiance |  Jordan |
| Branch |  Royal Jordanian Air Force |
| Service years | 1978–present |
| Rank | Major General |
Major General Yousef Huneiti (Arabic: يوسف الحنيطي, romanized:Yūsuf al-Ḥunaiṭī; born 2 March 1959) is the current Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff of the Jordanian Armed Forces (JAF). He was appointed to this position on 24 July 2019 by Royal Decree.[1][2] Following the retirement of his predecessor, Lt. Gen. Mahmoud Freihat. Huneiti's appointment marked a historical milestone, as he is the first officer from the Royal Jordanian Air Force to ever serve in this role,[3] traditionally held by army commanders.
Born on 2 March 1959 in Amman, Jordan, Yousef Huneiti joined the Royal Jordanian Air Force in 1978, beginning his long-standing career in military service. Over the years, he advanced his education with various military courses and leadership programs, solidifying his expertise in military strategy, operations, and defense.
Military career
Huneiti's early career was largely based at King Hussein Air Base in 1978, followed by roles at Prince Hassan Air Base in 1981 and H-4 Air Base in 1982. By 1983, he had become a fighter pilot, and in 1989, he was promoted to military trainer.
His leadership capabilities were further demonstrated when he held several key positions:
- 2003: Head of the Operations and Plans Division.
- 2008–2010: Commander of the aviation division at Muwaffaq Salti Air Base.
- 2010–2012: Commander of King Hussein Air College.
- 2013–2015: Director of air operations.
In 2015, Huneiti was promoted to Assistant Commander of the Royal Jordanian Air Force for Operations and Air Defense, a role that highlighted his growing influence within the armed forces. In 2016, he reached the apex of his Air Force career by being appointed as Commander of the Royal Jordanian Air Force, a position he held until 2019.[4]
Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff
On 24 July 2019, Huneiti was appointed Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff, the highest military post in Jordan, by King Abdullah II. His appointment underscored the King's emphasis on modernizing and restructuring the armed forces, ensuring that Jordan's military remains capable of addressing both regional threats and internal challenges. Huneiti's tenure has focused on strengthening the defense infrastructure, maintaining national security, and enhancing Jordan's role in regional stability. He has also been heavily involved in joint military exercises and strategic defense collaborations with NATO, the United States, and neighboring Arab countries