Mheidat stated that "SOFEX" constitutes a strategic platform that brings together military leaders, official delegations, and specialized companies to exchange expertise and showcase the latest defense technologies and solutions, thereby opening broader horizons for cooperation, technology transfer, and the development of national capabilities.
He added that the importance of the exhibition goes beyond displaying equipment and technology, as it forms a space that brings together decision-makers, specialists, innovators, and those working in the defense and technology sectors, with the aim of building partnerships, exchanging knowledge, and exploring solutions that contribute to the development of security and defense systems.
He pointed out that Jordan's hosting of this event reinforces its position as a center for dialogue and cooperation in defense and security fields, allows for the expansion of relations with brotherly and friendly countries, and opens new channels for cooperation, training, and development, which supports defense diplomacy and enhances the Kingdom's presence at both regional and international levels.
He emphasized that holding the exhibition in Aqaba from October 26 to 29 sends a clear message to the world about Jordan's security, stability, and its ability to host international events, noting the importance of Aqaba's location as the Kingdom's only maritime outlet and the economic and investment opportunities it provides.
Regarding the exhibition's role in supporting national industries, Mheidat explained that Jordanian participation allows for highlighting the capabilities of local companies and factories in defense and technological fields, and introducing their products and solutions to military delegations and international companies, which enhances opportunities for building partnerships and opening new markets for Jordanian products.
He indicated that the exhibition provides a suitable environment for cooperation in the fields of manufacturing, development, technology transfer, and the acquisition of technical and production expertise, in addition to enhancing export and investment opportunities, pointing out that transforming networking opportunities into industrial and commercial projects contributes to the growth of national companies, raising their competitiveness, and providing job opportunities.
He stressed the importance of integration between Jordanian companies and the Jordan Armed Forces – Arab Army, through developing local products and solutions that meet national needs, enhancing reliance on Jordanian industrial capabilities, and supporting the modernization and development process.
Regarding the development of military capabilities, Mheidat said that the exhibition allowed specialists to view the latest defense technologies, compare technical solutions, and evaluate their suitability for operational needs, which supports modernization efforts and raises performance efficiency and readiness.
He added that the displayed technologies included communication, command, control, surveillance, reconnaissance, and protection systems, individual equipment, and unmanned systems, in addition to the fields of artificial intelligence, cybersecurity, and electronic warfare, which enhances opportunities for training, exchanging expertise, and benefiting from international experiences.
He emphasized the importance of strengthening cooperation and coordination between the armed forces, security services, companies, and research and development centers, which supports maintenance, technical qualification, knowledge transfer, and the development of local capabilities.
He pointed out that the importance of "SOFEX" is increasing in light of the accelerating security and military challenges in the region, the evolution of warfare methods, and the growing need to develop capabilities in the fields of air defense, countering drones, and cybersecurity.
Regarding aspirations for the next edition of the exhibition in 2028, Mheidat said that what distinguished this year's edition was the level of integration between academics, national universities, the new generation, and the armed forces, especially the special operations forces, and the private sector.
He added that this integration forms an important foundation for developing national capabilities and enhancing innovation, confirming the endeavor to build on what was achieved during the current edition, expand the scope of participation and cooperation, and present a more advanced version at both national and international levels.
He emphasized that the success of "SOFEX" is not measured only by the number of participating companies, military delegations, or announced deals, but by the extent of its ability to transform cooperation opportunities into strategic partnerships and practical projects that contribute to developing national capabilities, enhancing defense cooperation, and supporting Jordan's regional and international standing.
For his part, Al-Oteen said that the exhibition witnessed the signing of 15 agreements that focused on technology transfer and localization, the establishment of centers of excellence, and cooperation with international companies in maintaining and developing various systems.
He added that the agreements included contracts for supplying certain systems and achieving integration between them in cooperation with international companies, in addition to signing memoranda of understanding and partnership arrangements with a number of partners.
He explained that a number of agreements aim to support startups and innovators and empower them, especially since an important part of national industries relies on small and medium-sized enterprises.
He pointed out that the center, within the framework of supporting the Jordan Armed Forces, is working on building an integrated system for defense industries by supporting small and medium-sized enterprises and innovators, and developing ideas and transforming them into applicable products that meet national needs.
He indicated that the exhibition witnessed the participation of innovators, idea holders, and university students, who were given the opportunity to introduce their innovations, develop them, and promote them to participants from various countries of the world.
He emphasized that the center, as the arm concerned with military manufacturing for the Jordan Armed Forces, plays a role in supporting startups, developing innovations, and transforming them into products that contribute to enhancing national industries.
Regarding the entities with which the agreements were signed, Al-Oteen explained that they include international companies through the center and its subsidiaries, in addition to other companies that were cooperated with through the Jordan Armed Forces.
Regarding the economic and tourism impact of the exhibition, Al-Oteen said that "SOFEX Jordan 2026" attracted about 400 delegations from 75 countries, in addition to 350 exhibiting companies from 38 countries, and more than two thousand visitors.
He added that the data collected through the "Digital Spider" platform, which the center launched during the exhibition, showed the registration of more than five million interactions on social media platforms, pointing out that a large percentage of the comments were positive and praised the national industry.
He explained that the participation of international delegations and companies reflects positively on the tourism sector in Aqaba, through staying in hotels, using restaurants, and visiting tourist sites, including Petra and Wadi Rum, which contributes to stimulating economic activity and enhancing the benefit of various sectors from holding the exhibition.
In turn, Al-Huneiti emphasized the importance of keeping pace with modern technological developments and employing artificial intelligence in military and security fields, stressing that the human element remains the foundation of the process.
He said that the Jordan Armed Forces pay increasing attention to artificial intelligence, given its role in training individuals and officers and the possibilities of employing it in developing military decision-making processes.
He added that technical developments impose future challenges, especially in the field of cybersecurity, emphasizing the importance of benefiting from international experiences, best practices, and modern technologies, and strengthening cooperation with partners to face common challenges.
Regarding the Special Operations Forces Commanders Conference, which was held over three days with the participation of commanders and delegations from 75 countries, Al-Huneiti pointed out that the region needs today, more than ever, to enhance stability and exchange ideas and expertise, which contributes to facing common challenges.
The Special Operations Forces Exhibition and Conference "SOFEX" is a specialized platform that brings together military and security entities and companies working in defense and technological industries, with the aim of exchanging expertise, showcasing the latest technologies, and building partnerships between national institutions and their international counterparts.
