The University of Jordan participates in the "SOFEX 2026" exhibition with a project for the early detection of forest fires using artificial intelligence
Amman3 min read
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The University of Jordan participated in the activities of the Special Operations Forces Exhibition "SOFEX 2026" through a research and applied project implemented in partnership with the King Abdullah II Design and Development Bureau (KADDB), aimed at the early detection of fires in forests and wooded areas using autonomous drones supported by artificial intelligence technologies.
The Chief of the Royal Hashemite Court, Yousef Issawi, and the Advisor to His Majesty for Tribal Affairs in Jordan, retired Major General Knean Al-Balawi, accompanied by the President of the University of Jordan, Dr. Nathir Obeidat, and a number of attendees, listened to a briefing on the project presented by the university as part of its participation in the exhibition. The briefing, which covered the project's mechanism for monitoring and detecting fire indicators in their early stages, was presented by Dr. Adham Al-Sharqawi, Associate Professor in the Mechatronics Engineering Department and supervisor of the project, and researcher Salah Al-Din Nasser, a graduate of the department, in a way that contributes to supporting the efforts of the relevant authorities and enhancing their ability to respond efficiently and effectively.
The project comes within the framework of employing modern technologies and artificial intelligence in the service of environmental issues, and developing technical solutions that contribute to protecting vegetation cover and reducing the risks of forest fires by providing support tools for monitoring and early detection operations.
The participation of the University of Jordan in "SOFEX 2026" reflects its orientation towards enhancing applied scientific research and expanding areas of cooperation with specialized national institutions, allowing research outputs to be transformed into practical solutions that meet national needs and support the protection of natural resources.
The Special Operations Forces Exhibition and Conference (SOFEX), established in 1996 under the directives of His Majesty King Abdullah II, is considered the most prominent and largest event of its kind in the Middle East and North Africa in the field of defense industries, national security, and special operations.
The exhibition, organized by the Jordan Armed Forces-Arab Army and security agencies, is held to form a strategic global platform that brings together decision-makers, military leaders, defense ministers, and major international companies specializing in military technology.
More than 400 official delegations representing 75 brotherly and friendly countries are participating in the conference, alongside 350 exhibiting companies from 38 countries, to discuss the latest developments in defense and security industries, and to showcase modern technologies and strategies to face future security challenges, enhance international cooperation, and exchange expertise.
The importance of "SOFEX" stands out as a leading international forum for showcasing the latest innovations and technical solutions in the fields of artificial intelligence, cybersecurity, aviation technology, and tactical military equipment.
In every edition, the exhibition attracts hundreds of exhibiting companies and thousands of participants, alongside dozens of military and official delegations representing various countries of the world, which enhances Jordan's position as a pivotal regional hub in supporting peace and security and developing defense capabilities to face contemporary security challenges.
