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The implications of a possible Israeli violation of Jordanian airspace

Umito October 26, 2024

Following Saturday morning strikeJordan says it has not allowed military planes to enter its airspace. During the night, Jordanian residents filmed planes circling overhead. How high is the airspace considered and at what altitude do fighter jets fly?

Did fighter jets actually violate Jordanairspace? On Saturday morning, Jordan said it was not allowing any military aircraft to enter its airspace. At what altitude do fighter jets typically fly, and has there actually been a breach?

Overnight, videos circulated online – apparently filmed by Jordanians – showing a fighter jet quickly maneuvering in the skies of Jordan, the neighboring country that leads towards Iran.

A country’s airspace refers to the air zone above its land and sea territory, but does not include outer space. There is no universally accepted altitude marking the end of a country’s airspace and the beginning of outer space; however, a commonly accepted international boundary, primarily for aeronautical and space purposes, is the “Kármán Line”, at an altitude of approximately 100 kilometers (328,000 ft) above sea level. Below this altitude , everything is considered part of a country’s sovereign airspace.

Beyond this altitude lies “outer space,” which is free of national sovereignty and governed by the principles of the Outer Space Treaty of 1967, allowing freedom of international activity.

Jordanian airspace: up to 100 km altitude (credit: SHUTTERSTOCK)

Commercial airliners typically fly at altitudes between 30,000 and 40,000 feet. Fighter planes fly higher; THE F-16 has a maximum operational altitude of around 50,000 feet (over 15,000 meters), while the F-35 can reach up to around 60,000 feet, just above 18,000 meters. If military aircraft were indeed flying over Jordan, this could be considered a violation of Jordanian airspace.

Diplomatic response to possible violation of Israeli airspace

In such a case, Jordan could respond on several fronts. A diplomatic response could involve summoning the affected country’s ambassador for a reprimand, filing a complaint with the UN Security Council, and making a public statement about the violation in order to put pressure on the responsible country. In extreme cases, a country can intercept foreign aircraft with air defense systems or coordinate a response with other countries to protect airspace.

Given that Jordan played a positive role in defending against Iranian missile attacks on Israel last April, its response to a violation of Israeli airspace will likely be calculated, maintaining regional stability and relations with Israel.

Jordan could take a diplomatic approach, seeking clarification from Israel regarding this violation. The Jordanian government could summon the Israeli ambassador for urgent talks, but would likely maintain a moderate stance to avoid an escalation of tensions. It is highly likely that Jordan would avoid any direct and harsh response against Israel, as its strategic objectives focus on regional stability rather than escalation. Even if it perceives an attack on its sovereignty, Jordan should pursue diplomatic approaches rather than military actions, thereby preserving its crucial relations with Israel.