SOFEX has proven its importance in int’l security industry — Prince Feisal

AMMAN — HRH Prince Feisal on Saturday reiterated the importance of the Special Operations Forces Exhibition & Conference (SOFEX) locally, regionally and internationally, as it meets the basic needs of all countries.

SOFEX, he said, is characterised by a focus on the latest advancements in special forces and national security equipment since they are fundamental for each country to enhance its safety.

In an interview with the Jordan News Agency, Petra, Prince Feisal, the chairman of SOFEX, said the support of His Majesty King Abdullah, the Supreme Commander of the Jordan Armed Forces (JAF), was the direct reason for the international success of SOFEX since its inauguration in 1996.

SOFEX, which will be held for the 10th time this May, is the largest defence exhibition in the world and the only one in the region specialised in this field, Prince Feisal told Petra.

“It is the best place to showcase the most developed technology of defence and special operations forces,” he added.

“The exhibition provides an opportunity for small- and medium-sized enterprises and the biggest international companies in the defence industry to meet with leaders and decision makers of governments and armies of the world,” the prince noted.

A total of 362 companies from 35 countries have confirmed their participation in SOFEX 2014, which is scheduled to open on May 5, SOFEX Managing Director Amer Tabbaa said in previous remarks.

The exhibition, which will run through May 8, will be held on a 75,000-square-metre area at the King Abdullah I Airbase near Amman, with local, regional and international companies showcasing the latest special operations and technology equipment.

On the sidelines of the exhibition, a specialised conference is held where international leaders, experts and specialists discuss modern international security issues, the latest developments in the region and the world and the role of technology in dealing with these events, Prince Feisal said, commenting on SOFEX’s role in fighting terrorism.

Country leaders, defence ministers, army chiefs and senior officers from around the world attend the conference to work on building bridges of understanding and cooperation to foster international peace and security, he added.

Turning to the role of the army in SOFEX, Prince Feisal said the JAF provides everything that can contribute to the success of the event and benefits from the exhibition in developing its own capabilities.

“SOFEX provides many opportunities for joint cooperation between Jordan and other countries to benefit from advanced Jordanian defence equipment and technology, such as the King Abdullah II Design and Development Bureau [KADDB] innovations,” he added.

KADDB covers part of JAF’s needs of equipment and defence weapons, which are manufactured according to international standards, Prince Feisal told Petra. 

KADDB also contributes to forming a solid basis for long-term joint investments in the international defence industry by establishing partnerships with distinguished international companies, he said.

SOFEX provides a suitable atmosphere to acquaint international firms with local companies and their manufacturing and marketing capabilities, the prince added.