His Majesty King Abdullah on Monday inaugurated the Royal Tank Museum (RTM), which showcases over 110 Jordanian and international tanks and armoured vehicles, some of which were used in major battles fought by the Jordan Armed Forces-Arab Army (JAF).

The museum, the first of its kind in the region, is located in the King Abdullah II Park in Mugabalein, south Amman, and it features decommissioned JAF military vehicles, in addition to vehicles presented to Jordan by Arab and friendly countries as gifts or within military exchange programmes.

King Abdullah, accompanied by His Royal Highness Prince Feisal bin Al Hussein, was shown the main exhibits at the museum, whose construction took 10 years.

Exhibits chart the history of tanks and armoured vehicles since 1915.

His Majesty also toured the museum, whose halls are dedicated to key milestones in the history of Jordan, the region, and the world.

The RTM also utilises the latest audiovisual technology to entertain and educate visitors.

The King was briefed on the museum’s plans and programmes, and visited the interactive space at the RTM, which will provide job opportunities for military retirees.

At the opening ceremony, His Majesty expressed pleasure over meeting a number of retired servicemen with whom he has served on units that had been equipped with some of the tanks on display at the museum.

The museum also pays tribute to the sacrifices and role of military retirees, highlighting the importance of the JAF as a protector and defender of the nation.

The RTM was established upon a Royal Decree in 2007, with the goal of preserving JAF tanks and other vehicles from the global military heritage, and showcasing them to visitors.

The cost of constructing the museum was largely covered through donations from various parties, and the same will apply to operating costs.

The RTM’s facilities also include a library, a research centre, lecture halls, an archive hall, a gift shop, a tank track, and a corner for military-themed videogames.

During the tour, the King signed the museum guestbook.

A number of senior officials, JAF officers, and heads of security agencies attended the opening ceremony.

On the occasion of His Majesty’s 56th birthday, the RTM will be open to visitors for free Tuesday through Friday.

As of next week, the museum will offer free entry on Thursdays and Fridays from 10am to 3pm.