The first Middle East branch of the American Armed Forces Communications and Electronics Association (AFCEA) was inaugurated by HRH Prince Faisal in Amman on Wednesday, the Jordan News Agency, Petra, reported.

The AFCEA was established in 1946 as a non-profit membership association serving the military, government, industry, and academia as an ethical forum for advancing professional knowledge and relationships in the fields of communications, information technology, intelligence, and security, according to its website.

It "connects innovative people, great ideas and vital solutions to advance the global security mission and support the warfighter."

Among the AFCEA's strategic partners are the arms companies Lockheed Martin, Northrop Grumman and General Dynamics, the association's website states.

The three companies are the first, fifth and sixth largest arms companies in the world respectively, according to a 2015 report from the Stockholm International Peace Research Institute.

Speaking at the launch, the AFCEA's executive director in Jordan, Rula Ammuri, said that the association aims to develop the technology and knowledge sectors, by spreading awareness of recent developments in these sectors, leading to the "optimal use" of technology and knowledge, which will lead to a "safe society", Petra quoted her as saying.

Held at the King Hussein Business Park, the inauguration of the new branch saw the signing of a cooperation agreement between the AFCEA and the King Hussein University.

A panel discussion was also held on sidelines, where participants discussed the future of cyber threats and the latest ways to combat piracy and security breaches, Petra added.