SOFEX

Origins and development

SOFEX was launched in 1996 in Amman, Jordan, as a dedicated meeting ground for special operations forces equipment manufacturers, procurement bodies and special operations commanders. Jordan's Royal Special Forces have a long and internationally recognised history, and the country's position as a stable, allied actor in the Middle East gave the event a credible institutional foundation. Under the supervision of Prince Faisal bin Al Hussein, SOFEX grew from a small regional gathering into a globally recognised platform. The venue later moved to Aqaba, Jordan's Red Sea port and special economic zone city, which provided modern convention facilities, greater space for outdoor and hardware displays, and easier logistics for international delegations. Each biennial edition has expanded the scope of participating nations and the range of technologies exhibited.

The 2026 edition: seven new features

SOFEX 2026 introduces a significant expansion and several first-time features that signal the show's evolution beyond a traditional arms exhibition. The total exhibition space at the Aqaba International Exhibition and Convention Centre has been increased to accommodate a record level of exhibitor interest. Seven distinct innovations characterise the 2026 edition: a new Elite Badge tier for industry professionals who are not part of official military delegations; the opening of MESOC to non-military ticket holders for the first time; a VR Solutions Zone with a laser shooting range and a Kill House simulation for public engagement; a dedicated Cybersecurity Zone as a core pillar of the event, reflecting the growing centrality of digital threats in special operations; a digital matchmaking programme through the exhibitor portal for pre-arranged meetings; new national pavilions from countries not previously represented; and an enlarged venue footprint to handle the record number of exhibitors.

Where SOFEX sits in the defence calendar

SOFEX occupies the late October slot in the Middle Eastern and global special operations defence calendar. It alternates on a biennial cycle and in 2026 follows DSEI (London, September 2025), Milipol (Paris, November 2026) and various national shows. For the special operations forces domain specifically, SOFEX is the largest dedicated exhibition globally, as most other major defence shows cover SOF as a sub-vertical rather than as the central focus. Its Jordanian host context also positions it as a diplomatic gateway to the Arab and broader MENA procurement community.

Who attends SOFEX

Exhibitors include global defence prime contractors, specialist SOF equipment suppliers, cybersecurity companies, drone and counter-UAS manufacturers and homeland security technology firms. Primary end users in attendance include the Jordanian Armed Forces (JAF), Royal Jordanian Air Force (RJAF), Public Security Directorate (PSD), Civil Defence and the General Intelligence Department, alongside special operations commands and procurement delegations from partner nations across the Middle East, Africa, Asia and the West. In 2026, over 400 delegates from more than 80 countries are expected, with 40 countries officially exhibiting. The event's royal patronage and military organisation attract senior government and military figures including heads of state and defence ministers.

What the SOFEX format includes

SOFEX 2026 spans four days: the MESOC Conference on 26 October, followed by three days of exhibition from 27 to 29 October. MESOC is a high-level forum for Middle East special operations commanders, now open to public ticket holders for the first time. The main exhibition covers indoor halls and outdoor areas, with large hardware displays including air and land capabilities. Specific features in 2026 include the Cybersecurity Zone as a standalone thematic pillar, the VR Solutions Zone with public laser shooting range, the digital matchmaking portal for pre-arranged industry meetings, and national pavilions including a USA Partnership Pavilion. Live demonstrations of special operations tactics and equipment are a traditional feature of the show.

What SOFEX covers

SOFEX covers the full spectrum of special operations forces equipment and related technologies: light infantry weapons and munitions, unmanned aerial and ground vehicles, counter-UAS and C-UAS systems, individual soldier equipment and protection, night vision and optronics, communications and tactical networking, intelligence surveillance and reconnaissance (ISR), simulation and training systems, cybersecurity and information operations, maritime SOF equipment, helicopter and light aviation, and homeland security and border management technologies.

The 2026 edition in numbers (organiser-declared)

The venue: Aqaba International Exhibition and Convention Centre (AIECC)

The Aqaba International Exhibition and Convention Centre is located in Aqaba, Jordan's only coastal city, situated on the Red Sea at the northern tip of the Gulf of Aqaba. Aqaba is a special economic zone and Jordan's principal seaport, approximately 330 km south of Amman. King Hussein International Airport (AQJ) serves Aqaba directly with domestic connections from Amman and some international routes. Queen Alia International Airport in Amman (AMM) is the principal international hub, approximately 4-5 hours by road. The AIECC provides both indoor convention space and outdoor exhibition area, which has been expanded for the 2026 edition. Aqaba's Red Sea location also provides a backdrop for maritime demonstration capabilities.

The organiser: Jordanian Armed Forces (JAF)

SOFEX is directly organised by the Jordanian Armed Forces, a defining characteristic that distinguishes it from commercially organised defence shows. The event operates under the patronage of His Majesty King Abdullah II, the Supreme Commander of the Armed Forces, and under the supervision of Prince Faisal bin Al Hussein. This direct military and royal institutional structure ensures privileged access for exhibitors to end-user military and procurement contacts and gives the show a diplomatic status not common in the commercial exhibition world. The Jordanian Armed Forces use the show as a vehicle for procurement engagement, technology assessment and regional security cooperation.

First time at SOFEX? How to prepare

• Register and apply for the correct badge category in advance. SOFEX uses multiple credential categories (standard visitor, Elite Badge, official delegation). Determine which applies to your status and register through the official portal well before the October opening to avoid access issues on arrival.
• Use the new digital matchmaking portal before the show. The 2026 digital matchmaking programme allows you to identify and pre-arrange meetings with exhibitors, delegates and suppliers. Log in early, complete your profile and reach out to priority contacts before you land in Aqaba.
• Plan around MESOC if high-level strategic discussions are your priority. The MESOC Conference on 26 October features special operations commanders and senior policy figures. Now open to the public with a ticket, it is the most senior-level day of the event and a distinct programme from the exhibition floor.
• Factor in travel logistics to Aqaba. Most international visitors transit through Amman. Book Amman-Aqaba connecting flights or ground transport in advance, and allow enough time for Jordan entry procedures. Hotel capacity in Aqaba is limited relative to a major international show.
• Explore the Cybersecurity Zone and new pavilions. For 2026, the dedicated Cybersecurity Zone and new participating countries' pavilions represent the most novel content. If digital and cyber dimensions of SOF are relevant to your work, prioritise time there.
• Dress and behaviour notes. Jordan is a conservative country; business attire is appropriate throughout the trade event. Military personnel typically attend in service dress or national uniform on official delegation days. Respect local customs, particularly during prayer times, when some services may pause briefly.