The King patronizes the launch of the "SOFEX 2026" conference and exhibition in Aqaba

His Majesty the King, in the presence of His Royal Highness Crown Prince Al Hussein bin Abdullah II and His Royal Highness Prince Hashem bin Abdullah II, listened to a briefing from the organizers about the themes of the conference and exhibition and the most prominent participants in this year's edition, which is the largest in terms of exhibition space and the number of participating countries.

More than 400 official delegations representing 75 brotherly and friendly countries, and 350 exhibiting companies from 38 countries are participating in the conference.

His Majesty watched a visual presentation that documented the development of the exhibition over the years and highlighted the most prominent modern technologies and defense solutions within it.

During the opening ceremony, the Chairman of the Board of Directors of "SOFEX", retired Major General Engineer Ayman Al-Batran, affirmed that holding this edition of the exhibition in Aqaba comes during a delicate phase and increasingly complex regional challenges, explaining that dealing with these rapid variables requires raising the level of readiness, enhancing international cooperation, and building integrated strategic partnerships between countries, armed forces, security agencies, innovators, and technology pioneers in defense industries.

He indicated that "SOFEX" has been able over three decades to cement Jordan's position on the map of global defense exhibitions, embodying the royal vision to make Jordan a regional and international hub for innovation and defense technology.

The Commander of the King Abdullah II Special Forces pointed out that the nature of contemporary wars is accelerating due to modern technologies such as artificial intelligence and autonomous systems, noting that technical superiority is not enough unless it is combined with field experience and the ability to adapt quickly.

He explained that facing future threats requires building close international partnerships, considering that the future of special operations forces is shaped by cooperation and joint strategic choices.

His Majesty the King toured the exhibition and viewed the participation of a group of local and international companies, and the latest achievements in military technology, defense industries, and innovative security solutions.

His Majesty listened to explanations from company representatives and pavilion organizers about the nature of their exhibits and the latest special operations equipment and smart systems that have been developed.

On the sidelines of the exhibition and conference, His Majesty the King held meetings with the Chief of Staff of the Lebanese Army, Major General Joseph Aoun, the Lebanese Minister of National Defense Maurice Sleem, the British Senior Defence Advisor to the Middle East and North Africa, Air Marshal Edward Stringer, the Deputy Supreme Allied Commander Europe (DSACEUR), General Aurelio Colagrande, Rear Admiral Samuel Majou of the French Army, Major General Michal Strzelecki of the Polish Army, Chief of the Malaysian Army, General Tan Sri Dato' Muhammad Hafizuddeain bin Jantan, and Chief of Staff of the Barbados Defence Force, Commodore Carlos Lovell.

The opening ceremony was attended by a number of Royal Highnesses and senior military and civilian officials.