– Jordan’s unstable surrounding situation… Great interest in digital convergence defense industry technology –
– Possessing demand for cooperation in boundary systems and drone solutions using artificial intelligence –
Event Outline
Exhibition characteristics
The artificial intelligence defense technology and cyber security exhibition (hereafter referred to as AIDTSEC) hosted by SOFEX JORDAN is the first artificial intelligence defense technology and cyber security exhibition and conference held in Jordan.
AIDTSEC covered the main themes of how the latest technologies and advances in artificial intelligence and robotics can be linked to defense industry, digital transformation and infrastructure, big data and data analytics, cybersecurity, data operations solutions, and more. In particular, AIDTSEC was attended by many innovative companies such as AI defense technology and cyber security leader experts and startups to exchange the latest strategies and knowledge focusing on the connection between AI technology and the defense industry. In addition, AI defense technology and cyber security solution companies had the opportunity to exhibit and demonstrate the latest innovations.
Through this, AIDTSEC provides a variety of conference and forum programs to inform industry stakeholders as well as decision makers in the defense, security and government sectors to address current and future defense technology-related challenges, and to formulate tactics and strategies in a global context. provided through In other words, it can be said that the exhibition was a place to block in advance the negative effects of artificial intelligence technology that may stand out in the future and discuss the possibility of achieving world peace and security.
AIDTSEC Opening Ceremony
Key Issues and Demand Trends
AIDTSEC divided the following four main topics on how the latest advances in artificial intelligence are being applied to the defense and security industries, and held 4 keynote speeches, 6 seminar sessions, and 12 panel discussions.
• Digital transformation and building digital infrastructure
• Autonomous systems and vehicles
• Cybersecurity and data protection, related algorithms
• AI and cybersecurity-related scenarios in military applications
According to what was covered in the key sessions, Jordan is now accelerating its preparations for integrating intelligent solutions into defense technology. At this time, by equipping defense weapons and equipment with intelligent solutions, that is, technologies such as machine learning, an infrastructure that can predict future threats more reliably, recognize enemy actions more accurately, and counterattack faster and more efficiently. can be built
According to industry insiders, however, Jordan has a weak manufacturing base and solution development base. Therefore, it is necessary to transfer the technical know-how and infrastructure possessed by foreign companies and institutions. In addition, Jordan shares borders with countries with high security threats, such as Israel, Palestine, Iraq and Syria, so there is a high demand for innovative technologies in the field of surveillance and perimeter systems that can quickly detect threats from these countries. Accordingly, Jordanian defense industry-related companies are interested in business cooperation or technology transfer with drone and video industry companies.
Start-up projects of Jordanian university students also drew attention at this AIDTSEC, where university start-up clubs showed their ideas and solutions to local investors and government officials through demonstrations and pitching events organized by the organizers. According to Professor Yousef Al-Hindi of Prince Hussein University of Technology who participated in this event, Jordanian universities are seeking partnerships with Korean companies in terms of building ICT labs and learning environments for students. For your reference, some Jordanian universities are partnering with governments and companies in Japan, China, the United States, and the EU to provide research facilities, support tuition, and support participation in various scholarship programs.
Interviews with participating companies and institutions
① Jordan Design and Development Bureau (JODDB) – Mr. Mutaz AlRaggad (Marketing Manager)
Q. Please introduce your organization.
A. The Jordan Design and Development Bureau (JODDB) is a company in the Jordanian defense industry. Established by Royal Decree on 1999 August 8 to provide scientific and technological services to the Jordanian Armed Forces. The exhibition includes: • Airframe structural design • Aerodynamic design • Computational fluid dynamics calculations • Mathematical modeling of dynamic systems • Aircraft stability and control • Guidance and navigation applications • UAV autopilot design • Gimbal stabilizers • Air and ground Autonomous driving system, etc.
Q. What is your organization's future development prospect in the defense-ICT convergence industry?
A. Our products are currently being exported to several companies in the Levant region, and we are receiving many inquiries from companies that are not yet customers. Recently, the defense industry has reached a situation where its competitiveness depends on the combination with digital technology. Therefore, we will continue to innovate the existing traditional defense products, thereby accumulating more growth potential. Our institution invests heavily in product research and development.
Jordan Design Development Bureau booth view
② SAGER company – Mr. Yousef Amoura (CEO)
Q. Please introduce your company.
A. We are a company that provides solutions through drones in all fields where drones can be used, such as solar energy, construction, agriculture, engineering, insurance, and government institutions. For example, in the energy field, drones can be used to remotely inspect or diagnose transmission and distribution facilities to provide solutions that improve energy efficiency.
Drones are a rapidly developing sector of aviation and have great potential to create new jobs and growth. The global commercial drone market is expected to exceed $60 billion annually. In particular, small drones are increasingly being used in the Middle East and North Africa, but they are still under the fragmentary regulatory framework of local governments. When it comes to drones, national safety rules apply in Jordan because of accidents caused by improper use of drones in recent years. By accelerating the integration of drone-based solutions, our company is accelerating the use of drones in multiple industries, and is working to ensure that individual users can safely and legally use drones.
Q. What is your company's future development prospect in the defense-ICT convergence industry?
A. We are currently one of the major players in this field. We believe that many answers to the problems Jordan faces can be found by continuously improving technology and expanding technology applications. In particular, Jordan faces difficult challenges in key industries such as electricity, water and transportation. We are currently using drones to provide solutions for smart grid and road monitoring in the energy sector. It is expected that Jordan will continue to use solutions using ICT technology in the future.
Drone aircraft exhibited by SAGER
③ Jordan Information and Communication Technology Association (Intaj) – Mr. Nidal Albitar (CEO)
Q. Please introduce your organization.
A. Our institution was established in 2000, and supports member companies and networking among member companies in relation to ICT and IT support service (ITES) industry. When major ICT-related issues arise, our institution proposes policy directions or solutions to the government on behalf of member companies, and strives to maximize the contribution of the ICT sector to the national economy. We aim to provide our members with the tools they need to ensure continued growth and expansion. Our vision is to help Jordan use its ICT-related competent human capital to become a major regional ICT and ITES leader and an internationally recognized exporter of ICT and ITES products and services.
Q. What is the future market outlook?
A. Jordan's ICT sector is growing rapidly with great potential. The current investment law provides great incentives for ICT companies to invest in Jordan. Jordan is geographically located in a strategic location with easy access to the outside world, and has a wealth of English and Arabic-speaking manpower. Therefore, it is expected that these factors will contribute to more competitive foreign companies in the defense and ICT industries to invest in Jordan.
Jordan Information and Communication Technology Association booth view
④ Jarrah Company – Mr. Feras Jarrah (General Responsible for Aviation)
Q. Please introduce your company.
A. Our company started as an aviation school, and has since expanded its business to include airport solutions, drone education, and communication technology. The main product is a military communication solution that can communicate up to 2,000 km, and is currently being used in military vehicles or portable communication devices for military use.
Q. What is the future business outlook?
A. In the defense industry, radio communication interception and interference technologies have been rapidly developed. Accordingly, the demand for safe and efficient military communication networks has also increased, and it is expected to continue to do so in the future.
implication
Jordan is recognized as a relatively safe country compared to bordering countries, but since the military situation in neighboring countries such as Syria and Iraq deteriorated, it is a country that continues to make self-reliant efforts to strengthen border security and improve national defense capabilities. According to Jordan's Ministry of Finance, despite the emergency due to COVID-19, Jordan's military expenditure has increased by about 2019%, from $2,032 billion in 2020 to $2,083 billion in 2.5. Through this, it can be seen that the Jordanian government is focusing on strengthening its national defense power in order to respond to various problems caused by regional tensions and extreme situations surrounding Jordan and the war on terrorism. Therefore, the Jordanian government's support for development in the defense industry will continue, and this AIDTSEC can be said to be an extension of that.
In particular, this exhibition is meaningful in that it showed the current status and future prospects of the defense-ICT convergence industry in Jordan and the Middle East. Unfortunately, no Korean companies participated in this event. However, in an interview with the person in charge of the Amman International Trade Center, most exhibitors showed interest in technological innovation of Korean defense-ICT companies and were open to partnerships with Korea. It is expected to secure partnership opportunities with ICT industry companies.
Source: Comprehensive data from Jordanian Ministry of Finance, Jordanian Ministry of National Defense and KOTRA Amman Trade Center