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2024-10-11
SOFEX 2024: Drones, Deals, and Defence Dynamics
His Majesty King Abdullah, the Supreme Commander of the Jordan Armed Forces-Arab Army (JAF), inaugurated the Special Operations Forces Exhibition and Conference (SOFEX) 2024 on September 3 in Aqaba International Exhibition Center, attended by His Royal Highness Crown Prince Hussein. This marked the first event at the newly established Aqaba International Exhibition and Convention Centre.
The event showcased the latest advancements in defence and security technologies, attracting over 300 companies from 73 countries during its three-day run.
Ahmad Al Taweel, CEO of SOFEX Jordan, highlighted the significant success of the show. This year’s event marked a 30 per cent increase in exhibition space, totalling 175,000 sqm, and featured state-of-the-art facilities, including live fire and mobility demonstration areas.
Al Taweel emphasised the importance of the conference theme, “Special Operations Forces, Minimalism, Self-Sustainment, Collaboration, and Adaptability in the Modern Battlefield and Grey Zones,” which attracted high-level participants, including Defence Ministers and Chiefs of Armed Forces.
The exhibition saw a diverse range of international exhibitors.
SOFEX Jordan also featured numerous side events, including live demonstrations of vehicles, drones, and anti-drone technologies. Additionally, networking opportunities abounded, fostering collaboration among international defence professionals, government agencies, and private sector innovators.
JODDB Defence Agreements
Brig. Gen. Eng Ayman Al-Batran, the CEO of the Jordan Design and Development Bureau (JODDB) and Deputy Vice Chairman of SOFEX Jordan, stated that the significance and success of the exhibition act as a catalyst for fostering future partnerships and cooperation.
Several agreements were signed between SOFEX Jordan management, the Jordan Design and Development Bureau (JODDB), and various local and international companies to enhance defence capabilities and foster innovation. These agreements align with Jordan’s strategic vision of becoming self-reliant in defence and a global centre of excellence.
Key partnerships include Havelsan, focusing on cybersecurity, virtual reality, and border security, and Sager Drone Company, enhancing drone technology and education.
JODDB also partnered with Growtech to develop Artificial Intelligence solutions, while inspection contracts were signed with UAE’s MSPV. Additionally, the Royal Jordanian Air Force (RJAF) signed a memorandum of understanding with JODDB to host training courses for RJAF personnel, aimed at preparing them for local and international cybersecurity competitions and engaging them in specialised technology events both locally and internationally.
The event saw the participation of major international players such as Jadara, L3Harris, Lockheed Martin, Northrop Grumman, Nurol Teknoloji, MARSS, and others, who showcased their latest products and technologies.
Levitate Special Edition
At SOFEX Jordan 2024, the Levitate Special Edition emerged as a pivotal force, set to transform the drone industry.
The event was centred around two crucial themes: Operational Excellence and Aerial Security. Participants explored advanced drone deployment and strategic defence, showcasing the synergy between cutting-edge technology and practical application.
Operational Excellence focused on the nuances of drone operations, with sessions designed to enhance understanding of drone dynamics and improve efficiency from strategic planning to execution.
Aerial Security highlighted the importance of robust airspace defence, featuring expert-led discussions and interactive workshops on the latest strategies to counter emerging threats, ensuring safety in both military and civilian contexts.
UAE’s Defence Innovations Shine
The UAE National Pavilion participated in SOFEX Jordan, supported by the Ministry of Defence, the Tawazun Council, and organised by the Emirates Defence Companies Council (EDCC).
Capital Events promoted the upcoming International Defence Exhibition (IDEX) and Naval Defence and Security Exhibition (NAVDEX) 2025.
As an interactive platform, the UAE Pavilion highlighted the nation’s advancements in the defence and security industries, featuring a diverse array of cutting-edge solutions related to special operations, from advanced systems and components to the latest technologies.
The UAE’s participation symbolised the strong bonds between the UAE and Jordan, emphasising the importance of regional cooperation in the defence and security sectors.
Anas Naser Al Otaiba, Director General of EDCC, emphasised that the UAE’s involvement extended beyond product showcasing; it aimed to forge strategic partnerships with leading global defence companies, enhance international collaboration, and facilitate the exchange of expertise and knowledge.
Nation Shield, the official journal of the UAE Ministry of Defence, also attended SOFEX Jordan 2024, conducting interviews with exhibitors, delegates, and key stakeholders. Companies in the UAE Pavilion, other than the EDGE Group, included Al Seer Marine, Hubara, IDEX, and Al Jundi.
EDGE’s Cutting-Edge Display
EDGE displayed various products, including Precision Guided Munitions like DS-16, DS-25, and RASH series, as well as electronic warfare products such as Active Cell SAR and Skyshield.
EDGE Group companies that attended SOFEX 2024 included ADASI, Halcon, Lahab Light, Lahab Military, and Sign4L.
Lahab-JODDB Tie-up
Lahab, the UAE’s sole ammunition manufacturer, signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with JODDB, a regional leader in the development, testing, and evaluation of defence systems, to certify Lahab’s Ballistics Laboratory to NATO standards.
Under the MoU, Lahab and the JODDB will identify opportunities to cooperate in the testing, evaluation, and assessing of small-calibre ammunition in accordance with internationally recognised NATO and military testing standards.
The agreement to qualify the Ballistics Laboratory with NATO’s small-calibre ammunition testing standards is the latest development in the EDGE Group’s effort to expand the UAE’s advanced industrial manufacturing base.
Utilising advanced instrumentation and computers, Lahab also adheres to the rigorous small-calibre ammunition testing standards set out by Europe’s CIP (Commission internationale permanente pour l’épreuve des armes à feu portatives), and North America’s SAAMI (Sporting Arms and Ammunition Manufacturers’ Institute).
Kallman Organises U.S. Pavilion
Earlier, Kallman Worldwide was appointed as the official U.S. representative of SOFEX Jordan.
The centrepiece of the American presence on-site at SOFEX Jordan 2024 was Kallman’s flagship USA Partnership Pavilion, a high-profile business hub for participating U.S. companies to promote their leadership in the design, manufacturing, and support of special operations systems, technologies, and components.
“We are honoured to have been appointed as the official U.S. representative for SOFEX Jordan 2024,” said Kallman Worldwide President and CEO Tom Kallman. “This partnership underscored our commitment to support the U.S. defence and security industry around the world by facilitating connections, fostering collaboration, and contributing to the success of the event.”
Kallman Worldwide has already signed an agreement to renew its partnership for SOFEX Jordan 2026.
MARSS Redefines Drone Defence
MARSS showcased its cutting-edge innovations in autonomous warfare and counter-drone technology.
Johannes Pinl, Founder and President of MARSS, highlighted the company’s focus on addressing the rising threats of machine-versus-machine combat with groundbreaking solutions.
MARSS unveiled its Artificial Intelligence-powered NiDAR platform, which, alongside the hit-to-kill Interceptor drone and sensor-agnostic solutions, promises to revolutionise battlefield defence strategies.
Pinl emphasised that the shift towards autonomous drone attacks, exemplified by cost-effective drones targeting high-value assets, demands swift, AI-driven responses.
The company’s counter-drone CUAS system, designed to detect, classify, and neutralise threats, represents a critical advancement in protecting sensitive sites like nuclear power stations.
The company’s counter-drone CUAS system, designed to detect, classify, and neutralise threats, represents a critical advancement in protecting sensitive sites like nuclear power stations.
Pinl noted the challenge of identifying small targets amid environmental noise, which MARSS’s AI effectively addresses through extensive data training. This enables rapid classification and automated decision-making, crucial for timely responses.
MARSS’s sensor-agnostic approach ensures compatibility with any sensor on the market, providing clients with the flexibility to integrate new technologies seamlessly. This adaptability is vital for keeping pace with rapid advancements in defence technology.
The company also introduced the RADiRguard, an intelligent perimetre surveillance solution tailored for high-security sites in the Middle East. This system offers autonomous monitoring and decision support, operating efficiently in extreme temperatures.
Jadara Unveils Next-Gen Weaponry
Jadara Equipment & Defence Systems Co PSC exemplified Jordan’s growing prowess in the military-industrial sector. As a developer, producer, and supplier of short and medium-range anti-tank systems, it emerged as one of the leaders in advanced military technology.
At the event, visitors explored a range of products, including Shoulder-Mounted Air Defence Weapons and Unmanned Aerial Vehicles (UAVs) equipped with various missile systems, including Kamikaze UAVs, designed to meet the evolving needs of military forces worldwide.
The products exhibited included the Jadara QUAD Terminator ATGM System, Jadara-Terminator ATGM System, UAV Shaheen with armament, BAAZ Drone Kamikaze, Raptor 3 and Raptor 7 systems, the Hunter Manpads Missile System, RPG32 Nashshab Rounds, RPG-32 System-Launcher and Optical sights, RPG-32 QUAD-2 Nashshab System, and RPG-32 QUAD-1 Nashshab System.
The Jadara QUAD Terminator ATGM System was intended for battlefield observation and target recognition, capable of operating day and night under various conditions.
The RPG-32 “Nashshab” system included two QUAD variants, allowing simultaneous firing at a single target. The Jadara-Terminator, a medium-range anti-tank rocket complex, integrated advanced sighting and laser guidance technology.
Additionally, Jadara developed the “Raptor” missile system, available in two variants, and showcased versatile UAVs like the “Shaheen,” designed for intelligence, surveillance, reconnaissance, and target engagement.
MSI-DS Air Defender
MSI-Defence Systems Ltd. showcased its mobile and deployable short-range air defence system, the MSI-DS Terrahawk Paladin. The advanced system was designed to defend against unmanned aerial systems, fast incoming air targets, and hostile ground and maritime threats.
It is a self-contained air defence system that excells in mobility and deployability in close-range scenarios.
The modular and remote-controlled system is housed in a containerised format, allowing for versatile deployment options. It can be mounted on military support vehicles or trailer-based systems, featuring the NATO-standard Demountable Rack Offload and Pickup System (D.R.O.P.S.) for efficient ground deployment.
The system integrates advanced sensing and effectors, including the Terrahawk LW Series gun mount and the MSI-DS SATOS, ensuring superior accuracy and lethality.
The Terrahawk Paladin is capable of fulfilling various roles, from point defence to broader area defence as part of a Combat Management System. Its modular nature allows it to be deployed individually or as part of a network, providing robust capabilities to protect high-value targets and critical infrastructure.
Orange Boosts Connectivity
Orange Jordan launched its largest participation at the show as the exclusive telecommunications partner.
The company renewed its strategic partnership with SOFEX, formalised by an agreement signed by Ahmad Al-Batran and Philippe Mansour, CEO of Orange Jordan.
It provided comprehensive telecommunications solutions, including 5G and Wi-Fi services, to enhance the event experience and support the exploration of advanced defence technologies.
The company highlighted its advanced digital infrastructure and local security solutions.
Philippe Mansour emphasised the significance of SOFEX Jordan as part of Orange’s 20-year partnership with Jordanian Armed Forces and Security agencies.
The company also showcased its Corporate Social Responsibility initiatives, the “MARS-JO Rover” from Orange Digital Centres and innovations from supported startups like Manara Research and Development and Trismart International Trading.
SOFEX Jordan 2024: Catalyst for Collaboration
As SOFEX Jordan 2024 drew to a close, the air was thick with anticipation for the next edition of this groundbreaking event.
The exhibition had once again proven itself to be a catalyst for international collaboration, bringing together the brightest minds and most innovative technologies in the defence industry.
The event’s theme, “Networking for Global Security” resonated throughout the halls of the impressive Aqaba International Exhibition & Convention Centre. Visitors marvelled at the impressive displays, from sleek fighter jets to high-tech surveillance drones, all while networking with industry leaders and government officials.
Around 400 delegates from 73 countries had engaged in fruitful discussions, forging strategic partnerships that will shape the future of global security.
Anticipation is already building for the next edition, set to take place in October 2026, once again in the vibrant city of Aqaba.
As the world continues to face complex and ever-evolving security challenges, events like SOFEX Jordan will remain crucial in fostering the kind of international cooperation and knowledge-sharing that is essential for success.
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