Under the Patronage of His Majesty King Abdullah II, the supervision of HRH Prince Feisal Bin Al Hussein and the support of the Jordanian Armed Forces, SOFEX 2008 will welcome the largest number of international defense manufacturers in the history of the SOFEX series, with around 70 countries represented, many of which have significantly increased exhibition space requirements for their national pavilions. The increased demand for exhibition space at SOFEX 2008 further demonstrates the value and importance acquired by SOFEX and its exclusive focus on special operations forces and homeland security and thus has led to countries such as Turkey confirming an increase in their participation by 900% and the USA by over 50% compared to their presence at SOFEX 2006. A number of other countries will also be expanding their participation, with Germany having confirmed it will be doubling its pavilion space, whilst China will be increasing its representation at SOFEX 2008 by approximately five fold and Jordanian participation will be increased by a remarkable 300%. SOFEX 2008 will also be introducing several first time participants such as Greece, Finland, Korea and Slovakia, whilst Italy will have a presence as a country pavilion for the first time. Amer Tabbah, Managing Director of SOFEX, said, “Recognizing Jordan’s importance as a regional security hub, the SOFEX series has proven to be a major success and has confirmed itself as one of the leading international defense industry events, demonstrated by the fact that each edition attracts an ever greater number of the most influential and pioneering manufacturers in the field of special operations forces and homeland security from around the world as well as key decision makers in the field. SOFEX also provides a unique opportunity for small and medium sized enterprises to network with leading defense manufacturers and delegates.” Tabbah added, “The SOFEX site has been expanded to over 60,000 m² of indoor and outdoor exhibition space to accommodate the increased number of participants this year, as well as to enable a greater number of live demonstrations and mobility displays. The site is equipped with all the latest facilities to meet the needs and expectations of all our exhibitors.” Preceding the exhibition is a comprehensive conference covering a wide range of issues pertinent to current homeland security issues. The exhibition will consist of the latest and most up to date special operations forces equipment and technology from around the world, and will provide Jordanian, regional and international defense manufacturers with the opportunity to display their state-of-the-art technologies, tactics and equipment to their key audiences. Delegations will also have the opportunity to update themselves with the latest defense and homeland security technologies. Tabbah went on to say, “The SOFEX team would like to thank the sponsors from the public and private sectors for their support, particularly the Amman Municipality, King Abdullah II Design and Development Bureau (KADDB), Orange/Jordan Telecom Group, Skynet, Royal Jordanian Airlines, Le Royal Hotel, LG, CNS Primus, Jordan Tourism Board (JTB), Radisson SAS Hotel, MIDAS, Jordan Kuwait Bank, JorMall, MDS, Paramount, Arab Orient, ADC, AICI, Gerber/Silva and M.S Jaffar.” SOFEX 2008 is a four-day event that will commence with the SOFEX 2008 “Middle East Special Operations Commanders Conference” on March 31st, followed by a comprehensive exhibition from April 1st - April 3rd at the King Abdullah I Airbase in Marka.

21 Turkish companies under the leadership of Undersecretariat for Defence Industries (SSM) will take part in SOFEX 2008 to be conducted in Amman-Jordan during 31 March- 4 April 2008 for the first time.