As the global security landscape continues to evolve and military operations become increasingly shaped by emerging technologies and complex threats, international defence exhibitions have assumed a critical role in fostering cooperation, innovation, and strategic dialogue. Among the most prominent of these events is the Special Operations Forces Exhibition and Conference (SOFEX), which has established itself over nearly three decades as one of the world’s leading specialised defence exhibitions.
Bringing together military leaders, defence decision-makers, security experts, and major defence companies under one roof, SOFEX has become a global platform dedicated to exploring the future of special operations, internal security, and international defence cooperation.
From its inception under royal patronage, SOFEX has evolved from a niche event focused primarily on special operations forces into a globally recognised defence exhibition attracting growing interest from governments, armed forces, and defence industries worldwide. This transformation has reinforced its position on the international defence calendar as a venue where technological innovation, operational expertise, and strategic partnerships converge.
The 2026 edition comes at a time when the nature of security threats and modern military requirements is undergoing rapid transformation. Against this backdrop, SOFEX serves as a vital forum for dialogue, knowledge exchange, and the presentation of advanced defence technologies capable of addressing the challenges of twenty-first-century security and defence.
Expanding International Reach
Held under the patronage of His Majesty King Abdullah II Ibn Al Hussein, King of the Hashemite Kingdom of Jordan and Supreme Commander of the Jordan Armed Forces, SOFEX 2026 is expected to attract one of its largest international turnouts to date.
Preliminary indicators suggest attendance by more than 400 official delegates and military delegations representing over 80 countries, while 40 nations are expected to participate through dedicated national pavilions showcasing their latest defence and security innovations.
These figures underscore SOFEX’s growing international stature as one of the world’s foremost specialised defence exhibitions and a platform that successfully combines technological advancement, operational expertise, and strategic cooperation.
Jordan: A Regional Hub for Defence Cooperation and Security Dialogue
SOFEX also reflects Jordan’s increasingly important role in promoting regional stability and international defence cooperation. Benefiting from its strategic geographical position, balanced international relations, and extensive military expertise, the Kingdom has become an ideal venue for hosting defence and security discussions that bring together stakeholders from across the global military community.
The exhibition provides a valuable opportunity for armed forces, security institutions, and defence companies to exchange expertise, address shared challenges, and explore new avenues for cooperation. In doing so, it strengthens defence diplomacy and supports broader efforts aimed at enhancing regional and international security.
A New Edition with an Enhanced Vision
Building on the success of previous editions, SOFEX 2026 places greater emphasis on emerging technologies, live operational demonstrations, and immersive interactive experiences that allow participants to engage directly with the latest developments in the global defence industry.
The upcoming edition will feature expanded international participation and a broader programme of accompanying events, alongside enhanced networking and knowledge-sharing opportunities designed to connect defence professionals, industry experts, and decision-makers.
One of the most notable additions is the launch of the Elite Badge Programme, offering exclusive benefits and services to defence-sector professionals. The initiative aims to facilitate specialised meetings, strengthen professional networking opportunities, and support the development of long-term strategic partnerships.
In addition, visitors will have access to advanced interactive experiences powered by virtual reality technologies, including laser-based shooting ranges and training environments simulating special operations facilities known as “Kill Houses.” These experiences are designed to provide a practical insight into modern military operations and advanced training methodologies employed by special operations forces around the world.
Aqaba to Host the Global Defence Community
SOFEX 2026 returns to the city of Aqaba, whose strategic location and modern infrastructure make it an ideal venue for major defence events. The exhibition will be hosted at the Aqaba International Exhibition and Convention Centre.
The event programme will commence on 26 October 2026 with the Middle East Special Operations Commanders Conference (MESOC), followed by the main SOFEX exhibition from 27–29 October 2026. The exhibition is expected to attract extensive participation from defence companies, military delegations, and government representatives from across the globe, complemented by a comprehensive programme of technical demonstrations and industry activities.
For the first time, the MESOC conference will be opened to a wider audience, expanding opportunities for knowledge-sharing and allowing participants to gain deeper insights into the latest developments in defence and security.
As the official conference accompanying SOFEX, MESOC has established itself as a strategic forum bringing together senior military leaders, government officials, and international experts to discuss pressing defence and security issues. The conference also provides a unique opportunity for direct engagement with defence decision-makers and serves as a platform for examining long-term defence industrial policies, emerging challenges, and future programmes shaping the global security environment.
Live Operational Demonstrations Showcase Modern Capabilities
One of the defining features of SOFEX 2026 will be its live operational demonstrations, which offer military delegations and decision-makers an opportunity to observe defence systems and equipment performing in realistic operational environments.
These demonstrations provide a practical framework for evaluating the effectiveness, reliability, and operational capabilities of modern technologies under conditions that closely replicate real-world scenarios. They also highlight the ongoing evolution of special operations, increasingly dependent on speed, precision, flexibility, and seamless integration between military systems and platforms.
Cybersecurity Takes Centre Stage
As digital threats continue to expand and military organisations become increasingly dependent on intelligent and interconnected systems, cybersecurity has emerged as a fundamental pillar of modern defence and national security.
Recognising this reality, SOFEX 2026 will feature a dedicated cybersecurity zone showcasing the latest cyber defence technologies and solutions. The exhibition area will include advanced systems designed to protect networks, critical infrastructure, and strategic facilities from increasingly sophisticated cyber threats.
Complementing these displays, a series of specialised seminars and panel discussions will examine key issues including cyber warfare, information security, integrated command-and-control systems, and the role of emerging technologies in enhancing military readiness and security resilience.
Artificial Intelligence Reshaping Modern Warfare
Artificial intelligence, autonomous systems, and big data analytics have become some of the most influential factors transforming military and security operations worldwide. In response to this trend, SOFEX 2026 will spotlight a broad range of next-generation solutions leveraging artificial intelligence, machine learning, advanced sensing technologies, and decision-support systems.
The exhibition is also expected to attract growing participation from technology companies, research institutions, and innovative start-ups specialising in future defence solutions. This reflects the increasingly central role of innovation in developing modern military capabilities and improving the operational effectiveness of defence forces and security organisations.
Interoperability: The Key to Multi-Domain Operations
As modern operational environments become increasingly complex, interoperability between armed forces and defence systems has emerged as one of the most critical requirements for operational success. Contemporary security challenges demand seamless integration between land, air, maritime, space, and cyber capabilities to ensure rapid information exchange, effective decision-making, and coordinated mission execution.
SOFEX 2026 will therefore place considerable focus on technologies and solutions designed to enhance interoperability across military forces and defence systems while supporting the concept of multi-domain operations, which has become a defining characteristic of modern warfare.
Protecting Borders and Critical Infrastructure
The growing prevalence of non-traditional threats has heightened the importance of advanced border security and critical infrastructure protection systems. Reflecting this trend, SOFEX 2026 will showcase the latest surveillance and reconnaissance technologies, intelligent sensor systems, counter-unmanned aerial systems (C-UAS) solutions, and other advanced capabilities designed to address emerging security challenges.
The exhibition will also demonstrate how modern technologies contribute to strengthening homeland security, safeguarding vital infrastructure, and ensuring operational continuity under a wide range of security conditions and threats.
A Global Platform for Business and Technology Transfer
Beyond serving as a showcase for defence equipment and systems, SOFEX has evolved into a strategic platform for business development, industrial cooperation, and technology transfer across the international defence sector.
The event brings together defence manufacturers, government agencies, military procurement officials, technology providers, and industry stakeholders from around the world, creating an environment conducive to long-term partnerships, joint ventures, and industrial localisation initiatives.
The exhibition also provides an important forum for discussions on technology transfer, industrial cooperation, and defence innovation, particularly within the Middle East, which remains one of the most dynamic and strategically significant defence markets globally.
Supporting these efforts, a new digital platform scheduled to be launched during the upcoming edition will facilitate engagement between exhibitors, investors, and participating delegations, helping to streamline networking opportunities and identify new avenues for collaboration and investment.
UAE Participation Reflects the Growth of National Defence Industries
The United Arab Emirates will maintain a prominent presence at SOFEX through a national pavilion featuring leading companies and institutions from the defence and security sectors. Participating organisations will showcase a broad range of advanced systems, technologies, and solutions developed by the UAE’s rapidly expanding defence industry.
This participation reflects the growing regional and international standing of the UAE defence sector, supported by strategic investments in advanced technologies, innovation, and military manufacturing. The exhibition also provides Emirati companies with a valuable platform to strengthen international partnerships, explore cooperation opportunities, and facilitate the exchange of knowledge and technology with global industry leaders.
Such participation aligns with the UAE’s broader vision of building a highly advanced and globally competitive defence ecosystem while maintaining a strong presence at major international defence exhibitions and events.
Growing International Participation
SOFEX 2026 continues to expand its international footprint, with seven new countries expected to join the list of participating nations. The exhibition is also anticipated to attract strong representation from key defence markets across the Middle East, Europe, North America, and Asia.
In addition, senior military commanders, government officials, defence executives, and industry specialists from around the world are expected to attend, further reinforcing SOFEX’s reputation as a trusted global platform for dialogue, cooperation, and innovation.
This continued growth reflects the increasing international confidence in SOFEX as a strategic venue that successfully combines advanced technology, operational expertise, and international partnerships.
Towards a More Integrated Defence Future
In an era defined by rapid technological advancement and continuously evolving security challenges, the future of defence depends not only on acquiring advanced equipment but also on integrating technology, human expertise, and effective international partnerships.
Through its strategic dialogue platforms, advanced technology showcases, live demonstrations, business opportunities, and knowledge-sharing initiatives, SOFEX 2026 continues to strengthen its position as one of the world’s leading specialised defence exhibitions. More importantly, it serves as a strategic gateway for shaping the future of special operations and homeland security, while fostering international cooperation and defence innovation in addressing the challenges of tomorrow.
