JODDB Signs Strategic Agreements at SOFEX 2024 to Boost Defense Cooperation

The Jordan Design and Development Bureau (JODDB) announced the signing of several memoranda of understanding with local and international companies during the Special Operations Forces Exhibition and Conference "SOFEX 2024." Rateb Abu Ragheb, JODDB's Director of Sales and Business Strategy, stated that one of the key agreements was signed with DayCraft, aimed at enhancing collaboration to invest in JODDB's industrial zone. The partnership will establish a factory dedicated to defense equipment and anti-drone systems. He emphasized that this investment is the result of JODDB's extensive efforts to promote investment in Jordan's defense sector. By targeting specific industries and sectors, JODDB has successfully fostered an industrial base and created an attractive investment environment, particularly within its special free industrial zone focused on defense and supporting industries. Additionally, JODDB signed a memorandum of understanding with Saudi company ERAF, focusing on cooperation in testing and eva luating materials, armor systems, and armored vehicles in accordance with global standards. JODDB's testing center is accredited by the British Accreditation Service (UKAS). Abu Ragheb highlighted the high-quality testing and evaluation services provided by JODDB's inspection center, which covers a wide range of fields including weapons, ammunition, armor systems, ground vehicles, electrical, and electronic systems. The center currently holds 463 globally accredited tests in these areas. Another memorandum was signed with Jordan Water Company (Miyahuna), aiming to explore the application of advanced technologies such as artificial intelligence and robotics to detect and address water leakages. The partnership also seeks to improve operational efficiency at Miyahuna through the enhancement of its technical systems. Furthermore, JODDB signed an agreement with BESOMI, a company specializing in research, development, and reverse engineering. The collaboration will focus on developing a platform for supplying e lectronic parts and advancing research and development in electronic systems. This includes reverse engineering of military vehicle electronic components and offering specialized training programs in the field. Abu Ragheb noted that these agreements represent an important step in strengthening cooperation between Jordan's national institutions and international defense companies. The partnerships will facilitate knowledge exchange and the transfer of advanced technologies to bolster the Kingdom's defense capabilities. These memoranda were signed on the sidelines of SOFEX 2024, held from September 3-5 in Aqaba. Source: Jordan News Agency