The Special Operations Forces Exhibition (SOFEX) 2024, a premier event for the defence and special operations industry, commenced on September 3, 2024, in Aqaba, Jordan, under royal patronage.
Held at the Aqaba International Exhibition and Conference Centre, SOFEX 2024 spanned three days, attracting over 400 official delegations, 300 local and international companies, and representatives from 73 countries, including some of the world’s leading defence equipment manufacturers.
The exhibition showcased a wide array of defence technology, including light and medium weapons, offensive and reconnaissance drones, and cutting-edge military equipment used by armed forces and security units.
His Royal Highness Prince Faisal bin Al Hussein inaugurated the Middle East Special Operations Commanders Conference (MESOC), an integral part of SOFEX 2024, in the presence of the Army Chief of the Joint Chiefs of Staff, Major General Yousef Ahmed Al-Hunait, Director of Public Security, Major General Obaidallah Al-Maaytah, senior officers from the Jordanian Armed Forces, security apparatus, and representatives from allied nations.
MESOC provided a platform for discussing the rapid advancements in defence technology and security, focusing on strategies to address emerging challenges. The conference, hosted by the Jordanian Armed Forces, brought together high-ranking special operations commanders and international experts to exchange ideas, explore innovative solutions, and discuss the future of global defence.
Serving as the official event for SOFEX 2024, MESOC is hosted by the Jordanian Armed Forces and brings together senior special operations officers and high-level experts from several allied countries.
The conference provides participants with an opportunity to present detailed briefings and engage in in-depth discussions, exchanging views on current and future challenges faced by nations worldwide, while also exploring innovative solutions to enhance defence and security capabilities in addressing those challenges.
UAE National Pavilion Showcases Cutting-Edge Defence Innovations at SOFEX 2024
The UAE National Pavilion played a prominent role in the 14th edition of the Special Operations Forces Exhibition (SOFEX) 2024, held at the Aqaba International Exhibition and Conference Centre in Jordan from 3 to 5 September 2024.
The event attracted over 300 international companies specialising in the defence and security industries, showcasing the latest products and advanced solutions in the field.
The UAE’s participation in SOFEX was supported by the Ministry of Defence and the Tawazun Economic Council and organised by the Emirates Defence Companies Council.
Moreover, a select group of leading national companies participated in the event, including EDGE Group, Al Seer Marine Supplies and Equipment Company, Houbara Defence and Security, and Capital Events, which highlighted upcoming events such as the International Defence Exhibition (IDEX) and the Naval Defence Exhibition (NAVDEX) 2025 along with Al Jundi Journal, issued by the UAE’s Ministry of Defence.
The pavilion served as a platform for visitors to witness the UAE’s leadership and progress in the defence and security sectors, showcasing a wide range of advanced technologies, solutions, and innovative systems across various aspects of special operations and highlighting the UAE’s ability to stay at the forefront of defence and security developments.
Furthermore, the UAE National Pavilion reflected its strong fraternal ties with Jordan and reaffirmed the importance of regional cooperation in the fields of defence and security.
Major General Sheikh Ahmed bin Tahnoun Al Nahyan, Deputy Chief of Staff of the Armed Forces, visited the UAE National Pavilion in Aqaba, where he reviewed the pavilion’s displays and engaged with participants on various aspects of the exhibition.
SOFEX 2024 Concludes Under the Theme of “ Collaboration and Convergence to Strengthen Global Security “
The 14th edition of the Special Operations Forces Exhibition (SOFEX) 2024 concluded its activities on September 5, 2024, following broad local and international participation.
During the closing ceremony, the Director General of the Jordan Design and Development Bureau (JODDB) and Vice Chairman of SOFEX Brigadier General Ayman Al Batran emphasised the significance of the event and its success.
He noted that SOFEX is a catalyst for fostering further partnerships and cooperation in the future, highlighting that the event was inaugurated by King Abdullah II, Supreme Commander of the Jordanian Armed Forces and attracted over 300 companies specialising in defence and security industries from 73 countries worldwide.
Held under the theme ” Collaboration and Convergence to Strengthen Global Security,” SOFEX 2024 stood out for hosting the second edition of the “Lafayette” drone exhibition, which plays a pivotal role in special operations, particularly in reconnaissance, surveillance, and reducing human risk.
Moreover, it was the first event to be held at the Aqaba International Exhibition and Conference Centre, which spans 175,000 square metres of indoor and outdoor display space.
During the exhibition, several agreements were signed between SOFEX management, JODDB, and various local, regional, and international companies to enhance capabilities and develop innovative solutions.
These agreements aim to strengthen the defence industries, reflecting a royal strategic vision of positioning Jordan as a country capable of meeting its defence needs domestically and internationally while enhancing its role as a centre of excellence in defence industries by providing a competitive investment environment for the sector.
SOFEX remains a specialised platform for special operations, with its exhibits continuously evolving in line with the latest innovations and challenges posed by future threats.
This biannual exhibition serves as a forum for dialogue between decision-makers and the defence industry, bringing together defence ministers, chiefs of staff, senior officers, and leaders in special operations and land, air, and naval forces from participating countries.
The event paves a promising path for Jordan as a leading global destination for defence, security, and military industries, fostering the exchange of manufacturing expertise and the utilisation of the latest technologies in defence research and development.
Furthermore, SOFEX plays a key role in enhancing international cooperation frameworks in special operations and national security.
