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2022-12-01

SOFEX Makes Strong Comeback after Four-Year Hiatus

The 13th Special Operations Forces Exhibition and Conference (SOFEX) held in Aqaba, Jordan, from October 31 to November 3, turned out to be a grand event witnessing the participation of more than 300 companies in the field of defence and weapon manufacturing from 38 countries, in addition to delegations from 98 countries.

His Majesty King Abdullah, the Supreme Commander of the Jordan Armed Forces-Arab Army (JAF), inaugurated the exhibition, which was held after a four-year hiatus due to the COVID-19 pandemic.

The King, accompanied by Prince Hashem Bin Abdullah II, toured the exhibition, which featured the latest equipment and technologies in defence and security used by elite and special forces worldwide, including in defence, planning, organisation, and training.

A special pavilion for JAF and security agencies showcased their military, technical, and training capabilities, and highlighted their international role in peace-keeping forces and joint drills, as well as the key products and equipment they oversee in terms of manufacturing and distribution.

The event featured specialised workshops, discussions, and live shows, in addition to private meetings and signing of agreements.

Ahmad Al Taweel, Deputy CEO of the exhibition and conference, stated that SOFEX helped build Jordan’s defence industries and paved the way for Joint Ventures (JVs) between international and local companies to develop the defence sector in the country.

He noted that six countries — KSA, UAE, Bosnia, Egypt, U.S. and Georgia —took part in the event for the first time.

UAE Pavilion

A host of leading UAE defence and security companies took part in SOFEX 2022.

The companies’ participation came under the UAE Pavilion, which was organised by the Emirates Defense Companies Council (EDCC), and managed by Tawazun Council.

“The UAE National Pavilion at SOFEX 2022 was a reflection of the strong brotherly relations between the UAE and Jordan,” said Anas Naser Al Otaiba, EDCC General Manager.

“The Pavilion displayed ‘Made in UAE’ defence and security-related products and services by companies seeking to explore opportunities for cooperation across military and homeland security sectors,” he added.

Among the companies that took part in the Pavilion were EDGE Group, Al Fattan and Etimad. Also taking part was Nation Shield, the official magazine of the UAE Armed Forces.

EDGE Strengthens Partnerships

UAE’s EDGE Group used its presence at the event to strengthen its partnerships within the local industry ecosystem, drive support for indigenous defence production in Jordan, as well as to showcase its range of capabilities and advanced technology solutions.

EDGE displayed innovative solutions meeting the mission requirements of both armed forces and Special Forces.

Tailored solutions providing high levels of mission flexibility were featured at its stand, exemplifying EDGE’s advanced designs and manufacturing capabilities.

US$70m JODDB Deals

The Jordan Design and Development Bureau (JODDB) and its subsidiaries signed and activated a number of cooperation agreements and sales contracts at the show.

JODDB spokesman and Head of the Sales and Business Strategy Department, Rateb Abu Al-Ragheb, announced that several purchase contracts for defence systems and security solutions made by JODDB and its subsidiaries were concluded and activated with many local and international companies and organisations worth about US$70 million.

The contracts included the supply of many armies, security agencies and defence manufacturers with armoured military and security tactical vehicles and related equipment, in addition to, ambulances, jamming and anti-drone systems.

The contracts also included the supply of personal protective gear (bulletproof helmets, vests and plates) and multiple weapons and ammunition and night vision sights.

In terms of services, multiple contracts were signed with a number of major defence industry companies in the Middle East to provide test and evaluation services and specialised courses in the fields of defence, cybersecurity and future technology projects.

Abu Al-Ragheb emphasised that JODDB, in light of its strategic plans to expand the localisation of defence industries and advanced technologies, signed more than 10 cooperation agreements and memorandums of understanding with several local and international entities and companies with the aim of transferring and exchanging technology and knowledge, and enhancing localisation in the fields of defence and security industries, future technologies and cybersecurity.

New Products

At its distinctive pavilion, JODDB exhibited a number of advanced defence and security solutions and systems.

JODDB`s participation highlighted the progress it has achieved in the field of defence and security systems manufacturing, and the design and development of new specialised products based on modern technologies and high capabilities, with the help and expertise of Jordanian work forces.

This can be seen through the products that were launched for the first time in the exhibition, which could be deployed for the missions of Special Operations and Rapid Response Forces in armies and law enforcement agencies.

JODDB exhibits included a set of defence systems in the field of vehicles and land systems that suit the missions and requirements of Special Operations, Rapid Reaction and Counter-Terrorism Forces.

JODDB also announced the launch of three new vehicles, Al Hajras Vehicle, a tactical armoured vehicle with level VI protection (European standard), being one of them.

The vehicle is characterised by its ability to move and manoeuvre in open and build areas for its small size and lightweight. It is armed with a Remote Weapon Station that can be controlled from inside the vehicle, which makes it a reliable option for the protection of processions and suitable for use by Special Forces, internal security and counter-terrorism forces.

On another corner of its pavilion, one could see Al Barq Vehicle, which was designed and developed to suit the duties of the rapid reaction forces, border guards, special operations and tasks related to reconnaissance and forest monitoring.

The tactical light armoured vehicle, armed with a 7.62mm gun, is characterised by its high manoeuvrability in rough terrains.

A new version of Al Wahsh that is mass-produced by JODDB subsidiary, Jordan Light Vehicle Manufacturing Company, was also on display.

Al-Basheq VTOL-UAV

The JODDB showcased its indigenously designed and developed Al-Basheq surveillance VTOL-UAV at the show.

The airframe is made of full carbon fibre, and can hover, take-off and land vertically without the need for a runway. The UAV can be used for long distance surveillance including in border areas and deserts. The communication range can be adjusted according to customer requirements. The UAV is equipped with EO/IR2 axis stabilised payloads and weighs 28 kilogrammes in total.

Al-Basheq I is equipped with fuel engine and can fly up to two hours at a cruise speed of 24m/s and maximum speed of 33 m/s to a range of 10 kilometres. The VTOL-UAV has a wing span of 4000 mm and is 1900mm long and stands 560 mm tall. It has a maximum payload of 6 kilogrammes.

U.S. Participation

The United States joined other participating countries in Aqaba at SOFEX. 

“The U.S. Security and Defence Pavilion showcased the strength of U.S. industry, ranging from innovations in tactical equipment and weaponry to military vehicles and communications systems.  The United States and Jordan enjoy a longstanding partnership that includes a robust military assistance programme, through which American firms are well positioned to support Jordan’s defence capabilities,” said Henry T. Wooster, ambassador, U.S. Embassy, Amman.

This year’s exhibition showcased 28 U.S. companies, as well as displayed a wide range of U.S. military capabilities ranging from Intelligence Surveillance and Reconnaissance (ISR) platforms, Joint Tactical Air Controllers (JTAC), Thermal Optics, a UH-60G helicopter, High Mobility Artillery Rocket System (HIMARS), to include capabilities associated with several different units currently stationed within the CENTCOM Area of Operations (AOR), including Jordan.

Sherpa Gets Noticed

Egypt’s home-made armoured vehicle Egyptian Sherpa caught the attention of dignitaries at SOFEX 2022.

The vehicle, manufactured by Maxim Supplies, gives protection against missiles, mines and explosive shocks and is characterised by the strong performance with a cruising speed of maximum 800 km at a speed of 100 km/h.

It is produced by the Engineering Industries Complex of the Egyptian Armed Forces and equipped with a Remote Control weapon station, that is designed with high precision, light weight, low profile RCWS, manufactured by ARAB International Optronics.

RCWS can be mounted on any armoured fighting vehicle or support platform without roof penetration. The weapon system provides superior viewing performance day and night.

Among the offerings were the products of the Suez Canal Authority and the Polish company GERMAZ, which produces armoured cars for public services (security, ambulance, police, money carriers, firefighters) and has a distribution network for more than 33 countries in Europe.

Maxim Supplies participated as a representative and distributor of a different and diverse group of Egyptian military products and leading international companies.

Maxim supplies special purpose armoured vehicles, artificial intelligence and security products. The company represents different manufacturers that attempt to produce distinguished vehicles as well as defence and security products not only in the MENA region but also worldwide.

Night Vision Goggles

The Jordanian Armed Forces (JAF) expressed interest in the L3Harris Ground Panoramic Night Vision Goggle (GPNVG), which provides a 97-degree panoramic field-of-view that enables increased situational awareness and operational effectiveness.

“The GPNVG is designed to provide improved situational awareness, mobility and protection to soldiers,” stated Garry W. Rosholt, Corporate Vice President, Middle East Operations. “The individual monoculars can be detached from the system and powered with the included power adapter to provide a low-profile handheld night vision goggle. It provides the operator maximum visual information for accurate assessment and acquisition.”

At the show, L3Harris showcased a wide range of equipment capabilities ideal for the region. The company also focussed on communications systems, “which is a high priority for the customers in the region”.

“One of the mission critical equipment we showcased was the RF-7850D multi-channel multi mission radio. It helps in Swap-reduced multi-channel communications for tactical vehicles and tactical operations centres. When used in a vehicular application, the RF-7850D can be mounted in a low-profile chassis, and can be concealed without interfering with vehicle navigation and passenger egress,” said Chris Olschewski, Sales Account Manager, Communications System.

The RF-7850D provides interoperability across every echelon of the battlefield, bridging communication from the tactical edge soldier to the VHF and UHF mid-tier and the airborne tier, supporting seamless communications throughout.

Jordanian army currently uses the Falcon series of tactical vehicular and handheld communication systems.

Turtle-Pac Makes Debut

Turtle-Pac from Australia exhibited for the first time at SOFEX, looking to sell its Air Cargo Tanks and Air Drop Tanks as Drop Drum 205 to militaries in the region.

“Our innovative products can increase capability for SOF and airborne forces,” Laszlo Torok, Director and Founder of Turtle-Pac said.

The company is not new in the region. “We have deals with UAE to supply our Collision Bandage, which helps fix leakages in boats and ships,” Torok said.

Collison Bandage is used for emergency leaks at sea. Damage to the hull of boat, ship or yacht normally cause a high risk of sinking. Damage to the hull is covered by the Collision Bandage, which inflates to give boat buoyancy and covers damage to prevent leaks.

Other products on display included: Drop Spheroid Tanks, Cargo Spheroid 50, Drop Drum 205, Air Cargo Tanks, and Collapsible Ferry Tanks.

Sky Guard UAV Showcased

Saudi Arabia’s Prince Sultan Defense Studies and Research Center promoted the Sky Guard UAV for the first time in Jordan.

“There was a lot of interest in Sky Guard and we expected to get some export opportunities for the UAV,” a senior official at the Prince Sultan Defense Studies and Research Center said on the sidelines of the show. “The UAV is a complete multi-role tactical Unmanned Aerial System (UAS), designed for surveillance, and reconnaissance. It has autonomous take-off and landing system, and can be controlled through a dedicated ground control station and ground data terminal,” he added.

The UAV, powered by a 44HP reciprocating engine, can race to a maximum speed of 100 Kts with a maximum payload of 50 kilogrammes. The UAV can also attain a maximum altitude of 6000 metres and has a maximum endurance of eight hours.

The UAV, originally designed and manufactured by the research centre, has successfully passed testing and experimentation to qualify its subsystems in different environmental conditions. Flight tests are also being conducted to assess design requirements.

Late last year, General Authority for Military Industries (GAMI) and Saudi Arabian Military Industries (SAMI) signed a contract for development and manufacture of the SkyGuard UAV. SAMI had also signed an agreement with Prince Sultan Defense Studies and Science Research Center, with the objective of further developing the UAV.

Successful Edition

Founded in 1996 by King Abdullah II, SOFEX continues to grow edition on edition, acquiring paramount ranking amongst the specialised defence exhibitions.

SOFEX 2022 provided an ideal platform to present and demonstrate new and innovative equipment and technologies in order to deliver swift, decisive and effective solutions to help international Special Operations and Homeland Security decision makers and armed forces maintain the security and safety in their countries, regions and around the world.

Reference Text/Photo: www.sofexjordan.com

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