SOFEX 2026: Localizing Defense Technology in the Era of Smart Warfare

Modern battle management requires a radical shift in decision-making mechanisms, where superiority is linked to the ability to aggregate the massive flow of data and process it in real-time to transform it into cognitive superiority that provides command and control systems with precise strategic and operational vision. Jordanian national leadership in this field is manifested through the innovative technical solutions presented by the King Abdullah II Design and Development Bureau (KADDB) at SOFEX; the "Aoun" application provides a smart environment to support military planning and develop field scenarios to assist commanders in assessing situations and making decisions. Meanwhile, the "Maeen" platform constitutes an advanced intelligence tool for data collection and analysis. This operational integration is completed by the "Sharp1" smart system for coordinating air operations, monitoring flight paths, and raising airspace awareness between aircraft and control centers. This smart utilization of data integrates with the protection of the digital space for military infrastructure and cyber intelligence to monitor malicious activity and provide early warning, forging through these national systems a digital and human shield that preserves the efficiency of the Jordanian Armed Forces - the Arab Army, ensures the sovereignty of Jordanian decision-making, and confirms the ability to localize artificial intelligence.

Drones and unmanned systems impose a structural shift in combat tools and field reconnaissance concepts due to their rapid proliferation, low operating costs, multiple payloads, and direct autonomous guidance in complex environments. The technical exhibits participating in SOFEX reveal a strategic trend focusing on localizing drones and transferring the technology for their manufacturing and development domestically, while introducing a modern generation of drones equipped with autonomous navigation algorithms and reconnaissance swarms. This is in parallel with showcasing advanced Counter-Unmanned Aircraft Systems (C-UAS) that rely on radar, electro-optical, and direct electronic and kinetic neutralization solutions. These technologies integrate with special operations concepts to link detection and interception data to command and control centers and select the appropriate means of countering threats. This response gains double strategic importance in the Jordanian security environment to counter organized smuggling operations, secure borders, protect vital facilities, and combat terrorism, transforming these exhibited systems into operational capabilities that enhance the readiness of the Jordanian Armed Forces and support the Kingdom’s firm and legitimate right to protect its lands and national sovereignty.

In conclusion, the deeper strategic value of SOFEX extends from the platforms and pavilions on display to building sustainable national capacity and localizing defense knowledge. The Jordanian Arab Army continues to formulate its field approach based on connecting technology with operational needs, industry with sustainability, and international cooperation with national interest, to transform innovation into real readiness that addresses all challenges. These efforts are crowned by the vision and directives of the Supreme Commander of the Armed Forces, His Majesty King Abdullah II bin Al-Hussein, may God protect him, who, with his strategic wisdom, establishes the doctrine of readiness and continuous modernization, so that the Jordanian Armed Forces remain an impregnable fortress that safeguards Jordan's security and protects its resources.