After 4 days of wide regional, international and local participation, the activities of the 13th edition of SOFEX 2022 held in Aqaba, Jordan, were concluded in early November.
“Inaugurated by His Majesty King Abdullah II, the Supreme Commander of the Jordanian Armed Forces, the SOFEX exhibition attracted 300 exhibiting companies specialized in manufacturing defence equipment and weapons from 38 countries, 75 delegations and 300 prominent commander and security experts from different countries around the world”, said the general manager of the exhibition, Brigadier-General Eng. Ayman Al-Batran, during the closing ceremony.
“The exhibition provided us with a renewed opportunity after 4 years of absence, due to the spread of the global pandemic, to continue its clear message of spreading security and safety around the world through the use and adaptation of defence technologies”, Al-Batran added.
Furthermore, he explained that the expo is dedicated to special operations and national security with exhibits constantly changing along with innovations as well as challenges posed by future threats facing the world.
In addition, this year’s edition of the expo simulated regional reality and included a global program, with several agreements being concluded with the Jordanian Armed Forces, the Jordan Design and Development Bureau (JODDB) and Jordanian and foreign companies during the exhibition.
Emirati companies showcase their latest products at SOFEX Expo
Several leading companies from the UAE have participated in the Special Operations Forces Exhibition (SOFEX), through the UAE’s National Pavilion, organized by the Emirates Council for Defense Companies, managed by the Tawazun Council.
After inaugurating the exhibition on the first day, His Majesty King Abdullah II Bin Al Hussein of Jordan visited the UAE’s pavilion, where he was briefed on its various exhibits.
For his part, the director general of the Emirates Council for Defense Companies, Anas Nasser Al Otaiba said that the UAE’s participation in “SOFEX” reflects the depth of the strong fraternal relations between the UAE and the Hashemite Kingdom of Jordan.
Al Otaiba added that the Emirati companies participating in the pavilion showcased innovative products and solutions made in the UAE, explaining that these companies seek to explore opportunities for cooperation with institutions operating in the global sector of the military and security industries.
The 13th edition of the SOFEX 2022 included specialized workshops, and discussions, in addition to the conclusion of private meetings and direct agreements during the exhibition.
Organized every two years, SOFEX is an important venue for communication between decision-makers and the defence industries, through defence ministers, chiefs of staff, and senior officers from special operations, the armies, navies, and air forces of the participating countries.
Furthermore, SOFEX 2022 is the first military exhibition in the world to specialize in the field of special operations and national security, in addition, it is the most prominent expo in the field of displaying military and defence products and supplies for peacekeeping forces.
Held in Jordan since 1996, SOFEX brings the world’s largest producers and developers of defence equipment together with senior military commanders, decision-makers and government representatives.
Coverage and Photography by: Razi El-Hadmi – Muhammad Hassan Al-Shaer
