Muhaidat: "SOFEX 2026" enhances Jordanian defense industries and expands international partnerships
It draws its curtains and opens new horizons for event tourism in Aqaba
Amman2 min read
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The official spokesperson for the Special Operations Forces Exhibition and Conference "SOFEX 2026", Director of Military Media, Brigadier General Mustafa Al-Hiyari, confirmed that the exhibition strengthens Jordan's regional and international standing in the fields of defense and security, expands military, industrial, and technological partnerships, and opens new horizons for cooperation, technology transfer, and the development of national defense industries.
This came during a press conference held by Al-Hiyari at the conclusion of the "SOFEX 2026" activities, which was hosted by the Aqaba International Exhibition and Convention Centre, with the participation of 38 exhibiting countries, 75 represented countries, 400 official delegations, and 350 exhibiting companies.
Al-Hiyari said that the importance of the exhibition goes beyond showcasing defense equipment and technologies, to bringing together military and security leaders, official delegations, and specialized companies to exchange expertise and discuss opportunities for cooperation and the development of technical solutions, contributing to enhancing national capabilities and keeping pace with rapid developments in the fields of defense and security.
He pointed to the signing of 15 agreements by the King Abdullah II Design and Development Bureau (KADDB) with international, Arab, and local companies, which supports industrial and technical cooperation and enhances opportunities for knowledge transfer and the development of national defense products and solutions.
He emphasized the importance of the participation of Jordanian companies in the exhibition, as it provides opportunities to showcase their products to international delegations, build new partnerships, open foreign markets for national industries, and enhance their competitiveness.
He added that "SOFEX 2026" allowed participants to view the latest developments in communications, command, control, surveillance, reconnaissance, protection, individual equipment, and unmanned systems, in addition to exchanging expertise in training, modernization, and technical qualification.
Al-Hiyari noted that the exhibition strengthens Jordanian defense diplomacy by expanding relations with brotherly and friendly countries, discussing areas of cooperation in training, development, and exchange of expertise, and highlighting Jordanian expertise in special operations, counter-terrorism, and border security.
The activities of SOFEX 2026 draw to a close after three days of events, meetings, and international partnerships, with the exhibition grounds in Aqaba remaining set for a renewed date with "SOFEX 2028" to continue attracting international participation and consolidating Aqaba's position as a destination for business and event tourism, thereby enhancing the diversity of the tourism product, stimulating economic and service sectors, and opening broader horizons for attracting international exhibitions and conferences throughout the year.
