His Majesty King Abdullah II, the Supreme Commander of the Jordan Armed Forces–Arab Army, on Tuesday inaugurated the 15th edition of the Special Operations Forces Exhibition (SOFEX 2026) at the Aqaba International Exhibition and Convention Centre.
اضافة اعلان
On Monday, the Middle East Special Operations Commanders Conference (MESOCC 2026) was held under the patronage of HRH Prince Feisal bin Al Hussein. The conference was attended by Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff Maj. Gen. Majdi Mohammad Al-Harasis, along with military leaders, experts and academics from Jordan and brotherly and friendly countries. Discussions focused on the future of military readiness and defence innovation, the use of modern technologies and unmanned systems to develop special operations forces’ capabilities, and the strengthening of military and humanitarian partnerships.
SOFEX 2026 reinforces the exhibition’s position as one of the leading international platforms for special operations equipment, defence and security. It brings together governments, armed forces, leaders of the defence and security industries, and innovators from around the world to explore opportunities for cooperation, exchange expertise, and showcase the latest technologies and capabilities in these sectors.
SOFEX is the only exhibition and conference in the Middle East and North Africa dedicated exclusively to special operations forces and their equipment. It continues to promote strategic dialogue and build international partnerships, while supporting Aqaba’s position as a logistics hub and a destination capable of hosting specialised international events and exhibitions.
SOFEX Board Chairman retired Maj. Gen. Eng. Ayman Ahmad Al-Batran said the exhibition had established itself over the years as a trusted international platform bringing together governments, armed forces, leaders of the defence and security sectors and industries, and innovators from around the world. This, he said, strengthens opportunities for cooperation, the exchange of expertise and keeping pace with rapid developments in these sectors.
Al-Batran noted that ongoing changes in international defence and security priorities have made stronger international cooperation and partnerships increasingly important. He stressed that the exhibition’s 15th edition reflects SOFEX’s commitment to continuing to build strategic partnerships, deepen constructive dialogue, and highlight the latest technologies and capabilities shaping the future of global security.
He added that, through its international and regional role, the exhibition continues to affirm Jordan’s position as an active regional hub for cooperation, innovation and the exchange of expertise in the defence and security sectors. This reflects Jordan’s role in supporting efforts to strengthen international partnerships and establish a foundation for constructive cooperation in addressing evolving security challenges.
SOFEX 2026 is expected to attract more than 25,000 specialised visitors, with over 400 official delegations from more than 75 countries and more than 350 exhibiting companies representing over 35 countries. The participants include countries taking part for the first time, while this edition will feature a larger exhibition area than previous editions.
By Ahmad Al-Rawashdeh
