US CENTCOM and Jordan Conduct Exercise Eager Lion 2026

Exercise Eager Lion 2026 began on 15 September 2026 at Fort Carson in Colorado. The two-week drill is being conducted by the United States Central Command and the Jordanian Armed Forces, with more than 200 military personnel from Jordan and the United States taking part.

Exercise Eager Lion

Exercise Eager Lion is a biennial military exercise between the United States and Jordan. Eager Lion 2026 is the 12th iteration of the exercise, and it is the first time that the United States is hosting the drill.

Operational Areas Covered

The exercise includes scenarios related to counterterrorism, air defence, maritime security, cyber operations, and disaster response. These areas are commonly used in joint military drills to test coordination across land, air, sea, and cyber domains.

Military Cooperation Framework

The State Partnership Program between Colorado and Jordan was established in 2004. The programme supports long-term military ties between the two sides and includes participation from Colorado National Guard and Illinois National Guard personnel in Eager Lion 2026.

Important Facts for Exams

• Exercise Eager Lion is a biennial military exercise conducted by the United States and Jordan.
• Eager Lion 2026 is the 12th edition of the exercise.
• Fort Carson in Colorado is the host location for the 2026 edition.
• The State Partnership Program between Colorado and Jordan began in 2004.

Joint Readiness

Admiral Brad Cooper is the commander of United States Central Command. The exercise is linked to collective operational effectiveness and readiness between the two countries.