The 15th edition of the Special Operations Forces Exhibition (SOFEX 2026) kicks off today, Tuesday, under the gracious patronage of His Majesty King Abdullah II, Supreme Commander of the Jordan Armed Forces–Arab Army. The event will run until October 29 at the Aqaba International Exhibition and Convention Center.
اضافة اعلان
On Monday, the Middle East Special Operations Commanders Conference (MESOCC 2026) was held under the patronage of His Royal Highness Prince Faisal bin Al Hussein. The conference was attended by Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff Maj. Gen. Yousef Ahmed Al-Huneiti? Wait, the source names Maj. Gen. Majdi Mohammad Al-Harasيس. Correct translation should be: Maj. Gen. Majdi Mohammad Al-Harasis, along with military leaders, experts and academics from Jordan and friendly and brotherly countries. Discussions focused on the future of military readiness and defense innovation, the use of modern technologies and unmanned systems to develop special operations forces’ capabilities, and strengthening military and humanitarian partnerships.
SOFEX 2026 further reinforces the exhibition’s position as one of the world’s leading platforms for special operations equipment, defense and security. It brings together governments, armed forces, leaders of the defense and security industries, and innovators from around the world to explore cooperation opportunities, 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 strengthening Aqaba’s position as a logistics hub and a destination capable of hosting specialized 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 defense and security sectors and industries, as well as innovators from around the world. This strengthens opportunities for cooperation, expertise exchange and keeping pace with rapid developments in these sectors.
Al-Batran noted that ongoing changes in international defense and security priorities make stronger cooperation and international 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 expertise exchange in the defense and security sectors. This reflects the Kingdom’s role in supporting efforts to strengthen international partnerships and establish constructive cooperation in addressing evolving security challenges.
SOFEX 2026 is expected to attract more than 25,000 specialized visitors, with the participation of over 400 official delegations from more than 75 countries and more than 350 exhibiting companies representing over 35 countries, including countries participating for the first time. This edition will also feature a larger exhibition area than previous editions.
By Ahmad Al-Rawashdeh
