Jordan special operations and aviation conferences

Preparations were finalized for the 15th Special Operations Forces Exhibition and Conference (SOFEX 2026) in Aqaba, an event intended to foster international cooperation and strategic dialogue regarding defense and security equipment in the Middle East and North Africa region.

Following this, Jordan commenced two major regional gatherings in Amman. These included the 37th regional meeting of the International Federation of Air Traffic Controllers' Associations (IFATCA) for Africa and the Middle East, which focused on air navigation safety and technological integration. Concurrently, the Middle East Special Operations Commanders (MESOC) conference was launched, bringing together delegates to discuss defense developments, including unmanned aerial systems and anti-drone technologies.

King Abdullah II officially inaugurated SOFEX 2026 at the Aqaba International Exhibition and Convention Centre. This edition is noted as the largest in the event’s history in terms of both exhibition space and international participation. The exhibition features 350 companies from 38 nations and over 400 official delegations from 75 countries.

Activities during the event include live demonstrations of military technology, aerial displays by the Royal Jordanian Falcons, and workshops regarding the role of women in the armed forces. The exhibition showcases advanced products such as cybersecurity, virtual reality, aircraft, and drone systems. Engineer Moataz Ghazi Al-Atin, spokesperson for the Jordan Design and Development Bureau (JODDB), stated that Jordan has developed sophisticated solutions to address border challenges, describing them as “among the best in the region”. High-level officials, including representatives from the UAE, are attending to explore defense solutions and foster strategic partnerships.