Germany has donated Marder 1A3 infantry fighting vehicles to Jordan as part of its military aid to the country.

That was reported by jaf.mil.jo.

The Jordanian Armed Forces have received the first 16 Marder 1A3 infantry fighting vehicles from a total of 50 had been donated by Germany. At a ceremony in Amman on Sunday, German Defense Minister Ursula von der Leyen formally delivered the armored vehicles, which form part of the “Reinforcement Initiative” in which the German government supports trustworthy states in troubled regions.

Following the delivery of the 16 “Marder” armored vehicles, a further 34 are to follow before the end of next year.

The cost of the defense aid for 2016 is 100 million euros ($94.6 million) rising to 130 million euros in 2017. Jordan is also to receive 88 million euros over two years for armaments. Furthermore, the Middle East country, which borders Syria and Iraq, is to receive 70 trucks and 56 minibuses to be used for military purposes.