Nato Explosive Ordnance Disposal Centre

NATO EXPLOSIVE ORDNANCE DISPOSAL

CENTRE OF EXCELLENCE

EOD Live Demonstrations, INCHEBA EXPO Centre, Bratislava, Slovak Republic

TABLE OF CONTENTS

1. Summary 2. Background 3. Event Outline 3.1. Live Demonstrations 3.2. Static Exhibitions 3.3. Senior Military Leaders Seminar 3.4. Conference 4. Outputs 4.1. Considerations 4.2. Final words 5. Specification 6. Abbreviations used

1. Summary

The NATO EOD Demonstrations and Trials 2018 (D&T18) took place in Bratislava, Slovakia from 19 – 20 September 2018. The purpose of D&T18 was to develop knowledge and broaden experience among EOD, C-IED and MILENG communities of interest. Organizing this event once every two years is already a tradition, one of the successful projects of DAT POW. This time, the event was organized by NATO EOD COE, Slovakia, in cooperation with NATO MILENG COE, Germany and NATO C-IED COE, Spain under the auspices and sponsorship of the NATO Emerging Security Challenges Division, supported by the Ministry of Defence (MOD) of the Slovak Republic and Counter- IED Report as a media partner.

The leading theme of 2018 year’s event was “Multidisciplinary approach to EOD” as a challenge for the NATO and Partners Subject Matter Experts (SMEs) coming from different EOD and related domains, academia, industry and other organizations involved in the fight against terrorism. Bringing together all these important security providers is considered as a receipt of success for the DAT POW. Equally important is the fact that it provided the favorable organizational framework to discuss, deepen and clarify certain aspects, identify some gaps or threats related to the specific EOD activities and to foresee possible ways ahead.

Opening Ceremony ‐ Cutting of a ribbon (from left to right) ‐ H.E. Radovan JAVORČÍK, Ambassador of the Slovak Republic to NATO, Peter GAJDOŠ, Minister of Defence (SVK), LTG Daniel ZMEKO, Chief of Defence (SVK), COL Róbert CSÁSZÁR, Director of NATO EOD COE.

D&T18 was organized as a two-day event. All activities during D&T18 took place at the INCHEBA EXPO Centre, Bratislava, Slovakia. The first day after the opening ceremony offered to visitors and guests the opportunity to visit the booths of various exhibitors from industry and academia. These have been complemented by live or screen demonstrations of the latest technological achievements. The second day was designated to the conference, the initiation of discussions with focus on Multidisciplinary approach to EOD. Participants had the opportunity to familiarize with the nowadays capabilities of the EOD, C-IED and MILENG equipment, including the new techniques, procedures and technologies developed for protecting the forces or population. The scientists, producers and experts also presented the current and future trends in the development of new EOD, C-IED and MILENG devices/tools.

More than 150 experts (SMEs, guests) from 15 countries (Belgium, Canada, Czech Republic, France, Germany, Italy, Japan, Norway, Poland, Romania, Slovakia, Spain, the United Kingdom, the Netherlands and the USA) took part in D&T18. More than 200 visitors witnessed static exhibitions and live demonstrations provided by exhibitors from 17 NATO and Partner countries.

Welcoming Address – H.E. Radovan JAVORČÍK, Ambassador of the Slovak Republic to NATO

2. Background

The NATO Explosive Ordnance Disposal Centre of Excellence provides expertise in the field of EOD to NATO and Partner countries and also:  supports NATO operation in the field of explosive ordnance disposal by improving interoperability and cooperation between NATO member countries, Partner countries, international organizations and the NATO entities - like NCS, NFS, schools, ...  trains and educates staff officers and specialist in the field of EOD  offers recognized expertise and experience.

Therefore, as a logical consequence, since 2010 the NATO EOD COE took over the responsibility for organizing the series of NATO EOD Demonstrations and Trials. Later on, in 2016, NATO C-IED COE was invited to co-organize the event with NATO EOD COE. This year NATO MILENG COE joined the two Centers of Excellence in co- organizing the D&T18.

First NATO EOD Demonstration and Trials was organized in Trencin, Slovakia. Since then the event has been organized every second year under different theme: “Detection – a unified effort of involved parties to defeat new emerging threats and protect human life and environment” in 2012, “New technologies – assistance and limitation of the EOD in post-ISAF era” in 2014, “Protection as complex and composite responses to terrorist threat” in 2016, and “Multidisciplinary approach to EOD“ in 2018.

Since 2015 the D&T is conducted in harmonization with C-IED Technology Workshop – another DAT POW Project, led by NATO C-IED COE. As such the two projects are regularly conducted, having only one Project per year. Organizing of biennial events for experts from industry and military as EOD and C-IED conferences, demonstrations and trials has become an excellent tradition which helps entire EOD and C-IED related community to better understand each other, exchange the latest information and increase the cooperation. Thanks to these activities we can now define new possible ways of progress, especially via new research focused on EOD and C-IED technology development and later through the integration of new EOD and C-IED TTPs in training and operations.

3. Event Outline 3.1. Live Demonstrations

Live Demonstrations are an integral part of Demonstrations and Trials exhibitions as it offers to companies the opportunity to present the functionality of their products in simulated, or real life conditions. Due to the limited resources and limitations incurred by the INCHEBA EXPO Centre, the exhibitors could use only the indoor area to demonstrate their products` capabilities. Therefore, several functionalities of some EOD equipment were impossible to be performed. There was no possibility to use any pyrotechnical tools and no possibility to “shoot” live X-ray images. Despite these limitations a total number of 15 companies from 10 countries participated in the Live Demonstrations and introduced their latest product developments.

The presented products can be broken down into following categories:

Remotely Operated Vehicles (ROV)

The ROV is an essential part of the EOD Operator tool kit. However, the year 2018 was relatively modest in terms of ROV demonstrations. Only 3 companies presented their products. If we compare the ROVs that performed their Live Demonstrations to those in 2016, we can see improvements in flexibility (ROVs compatible with large spectrum of EOD/CBRN tools), battery operation time and user friendliness to the operator. We could also see a unique feature on Caliber MK3 by ICOR which has a separate arm for disruptors (Dual arm configuration).

Detection and Identification

The ability to detect threats is absolutely vital to any force facing IEDs in their area of operations. Further identification of IED`s components is extremely valuable to the EOD operator, so that he can plan his disposal procedure. Altogether, 9 companies demonstrated their latest tools that can aid the operator to Detect and Identify explosive or CBRN threats in the operational environment. We could see improvements in the already established technologies (X-Ray, Spectroscopy, Mass Spectrometry, Magnetometry). The tools are faster, more flexible, more accurate and easier to use. There were also some innovative solutions. Sensys Sensorik has shown how an operator can utilize Unmanned Areal Vehicles to obtain a very accurate Magnetometric survey from a safe distance. EBINGER presented a detector that will not trigger IEDs with magnetic switches due to its non-magnetic signature.

Personal Protective Equipment (PPE)

The Bomb Suit is another crucial piece of equipment for an EOD operator. The latest models presented by the Exhibitors are considerably lighter and more flexible, while increasing the level of protection for the Operator. There were also improvements in the cooling system, communication system and other accessories (e.g. voice command activation, battery pack flexibility). Another form of PPE we saw during the Live demonstrations was presented by SAFER. They developed a system combining a metal detector and electric stimulation that prevents a person from stepping on a mine or IED trigger with a metallic content.

Training Enhancement

Realistic training can greatly improve performance in real life situations. During the Live Demonstrations the visitors were able to see two companies that addressed this aspect of EOD Operator`s preparation. DSA Detection emphasized the need to train with accurate ordnance replicas, as they make the training realistic and affordable. The progress in Virtual Reality and its potential use in training was presented by VRAI.

Summary

The Live Demonstrations presented a steady progress in technology applicable in the field of EOD. While there were no groundbreaking technologies, that would revolutionize the EOD approach, we could see several innovative ideas on how to merge existing technologies to maximize their effectiveness. Even small improvements in speed, ergonomy, reliability or user friendliness will make the job of EOD operator easier and at the end, it will contribute to saving of human lives.

The table below shows the list of companies and a short description of their Demonstration.

Company Country Demonstration Website name description NOVO DR Israel X-ray - Extremely https://www.novo-dr.com/ Lightweight System (starting from 5.6kg) with unparalleled penetration Med-Eng Canada EOD Robot https://www.med-eng.com/ capabilities – Avenger Logos Imaging U.S.A. Live demo of http://www.logosimaging.com/ LLC MONOS flat panel x-ray system

ICOR Canada MK4 and Mini- https://icortechnology.com/ Technology CALIBER EOD robot demonstration DSA Detection U.S.A. Material https://www.dsadetection.com/ Discrimination with Portable X- rays BAS Rudice Czech Seeking hidden https://www.bas.cz/ Republic explosives with backscatter and its identification by Raman spectrometer EBINGER Prüf- Germany Magnetometer / https://ebingergroup.de/de/ und Metal detector Ortungstechnik Systems., GmbH Magnetometer Multichannel System MAGNEX(R) 120L2, Active TDEM System UPEX 745 DF PIAP Poland EOD PIAP https://piap.pl/ Robots capabilities GARANT Germany GARANT Bomb https://garant-protection.com/ Schutztechnik Suit SPS-15 SAFER France Security http://www.safer-innovation.com/ equipment which prevents activation of traps (IED) or mines Scanna Msc U.K. Use of portable x- https://www.scanna-msc.com/uk/ Ltd ray in C-IED operations RMI, s.r.o. Czech Handheld FT- http://www.rmi.cz/ republic IR/Raman spectrometer Gemini – reliable identification different types of explosives Sensys Germany UAV survey kit https://sensysmagnetometer.com/ Sensorik MagDrone R3 XRIS X-ray Belgium UP (Ultra http://www.xris.eu/ Imaging portable series) Solutions x-ray imaging

systems for EOD & C-IED cases VRAI Ireland Using Virtual https://vrai.ie/ Reality for training and developing skills as well as empathy and understanding of situations Med-Eng Canada EOD 10 Bomb https://www.med-eng.com/ suit RMI, s.r.o. Czech Handheld mass http://www.rmi.cz/ republic spectrometer MX908 for trace identification of explosives, CW and narcotics in hot zone DSA Detection U.S.A. Advanced https://www.dsadetection.com/ Tactical training system (Accurate Ordnance Replicas)

3.2 Static Exhibition

One of the event objectives of D&T18 was to provide a forum for producers of equipment to meet with end-users, to allow networking and to get the direct feedback from them. The experts had opportunities to check comparable equipment and exchange personal experience from their testing in different conditions.

The static exhibition reflected the main idea and a leading motto of NATO EOD Demonstrations and Trials 2018 “Multidisciplinary Approach to EOD“. The exhibitors presented their products in the complexity of the approach in:

ROVs

 Detectors (incl. personal protection)  Devices for neutralization and disposal of hazardous materials  Heavy demining machines  Equipment for personal protection of EOD personnel

During the static exhibition following thirty-nine companies presented valuable and high-tech equipment:

Company Country Website Alford Technologies Ltd United Kingdom https://explosives.net Apex Global The Netherlands www.apexglobal.eu BAS Rudice spol. s r.o. Czech Republic https://www.bas.cz/ BSST GmbH Germany https://bsst.de CEIA SPA Italy https://www.ceia.net C-IED COE Spain https://ciedcoe.org Counter-IED Report United Kingdom https://counteriedreport.com Defence Science and Technology Laboratory United Kingdom https://www.gov.uk DOK-ING Croatia www.dok-ing.hr DRAKON Group United Kingdom www.drakongroup.com DSA Detection United States https://www.dsadetection.com/ DynITEC GmbH Germany https://www.dynitec.com EBINGER Prüf- und Ortungstechnik GmBh Germany https://ebingergroup.de/ Endeavor Robotics United States www.endeavorrobotics.com EOD COE Slovakia https://www.eodcoe.org Faculty of Security Engineering University of Žilina Slovakia www.fbi.uniza.sk/en FAE Group/PrimeTech Division Italy https://www.fae-group.com Future Forces Forum Czech Republic www.future-forces-forum.org GARANT GmGh Germany https://garant-protection.com/ Global Clearance Solutions AG Switzerland https://gcs.ch Chemring Technology Solutions United Kingdom www.chemringts.com ICOR Technology Canada https://icortechnology.com/ Institut Dr. Foerster GmbH Germany https://www.foerstergroup.de J&S Franklin Defencell United Kingdom www.franklin.co.uk/defencell.html Logos Imaging LLC United States http://www.logosimaging.com/ Med-Eng Canada https://www.med-eng.com/ NOVO DR LTD Israel https://www.novo-dr.com/ PIAP – Industrial Research Institute for Automation and Measurements Poland https://piap.pl/ PYRA, spol. s r.o. Slovakia https://pyra.eu QinetiQ North America United States https://qinetiq.com RMI, s.r.o. Czech Republic http://www.rmi.cz/ SAFER France http://www.safer-innovation.com/ Scanna Ltd United Kingdom https://www.scanna-msc.com/uk/ Sensys Magnetometers & Survey Solutions Germany https://sensysmagnetometer.com/ Tohoku University Japan www.tohoku.ac.jp Raven’s Challenge US BATF United States https://www.psbseod.com VRAI Ireland https://vrai.ie/ WAY INDUSTRIES, a.s. Slovakia https://www.way.sk XRIS X-Ray Imaging Solutions Belgium http://www.xris.eu/

The static exhibition was the evidence that permanent technical development of engineering technology and related procedures are the driving force behind constantly seeking better solutions related to detection, or disposal of all types of explosive threats.

3.3 Senior Military Leader Seminar

The Senior Military Leaders Seminar (SMLS), organized as a part of the event for the first time, was designed to national, NATO and Partners senior military leaders/commanders with focus on key aspects of the EOD role in the joint operations. The SMLS was organized during the first day of D&T18 and it attracted not only senior military leaders, but also EOD SMEs.

The main aim of SMLS was to inform senior military leaders about the EOD role within Joint Military Operations, including:

 NATO Doctrines and EOD recognition there  EOD role in joint operations (including Article 5 Operations)  EOD COE support to EOD COI (including future security challenges)

Taking into consideration that organizers succeeded to attract the Custodian of NATO EOD Doctrine – AJP-3.18, Allied Joint Doctrine for EOD Support to Operations (LTC Olaf FISFER) to cover first part of SMLS and SHAPE ACOS JENG (COL Bert KEIJ) to cover the second part the SMLS proved to be an excellent opportunity to provide senior military leaders with distinguished knowledge about the key aspects of the EOD role in the phases of Joint Military Operations. Third part of the SMLS, EOD COE support to EOD COI, was successfully covered by LTC Constantin EFRIM, Head of Transformation Support Department, EOD Centre of Excellence.

Other speakers informed senior military leaders about their national approach to EOD and MAJ Marco APPODIA, Head of Education and Training Branch, introduced to the audience the capabilities of newly established European Centre for Manual Neutralization (ECMAN), European Union organization that was officially inaugurated at the beginning of 2018 in Vienna, Austria.

3.4 Conference

Second day of D&T18 was designated to the conference, to enhance international collaboration with EOD partners from civilian and military sectors, keeping the overall theme of D&T18 - “Multidisciplinary approach to EOD”. The conference provided an excellent opportunity for discussions and gave a chance to share and explain perspectives from academic, military, SMEs and producers’ points of view.

The Conference was divided into two parts:

The conference part one, EOD Technology Seminar, was focused on technological advances in the area of EOD with following subtopics:

 Current and Future trends and methods in the Identification and Neutralization techniques  Autonomy as desired capability supporting EOD Mission  Exploiting the Training and Modelling methods to enhance the capabilities of EOD Operators  Testing and Standardization of ROVs capabilities to improve their performance  Integration of the Exoskeleton in the Battlefield – the EOD perspectives

The conference part two was split into MILENG and C-IED Panels with following subtopics:

MILENG Panel

 EOD within the MILENG Function  The MILENG Function  EOD within MILENG: o The role of EOD according to doctrine o Command and Control o Reports and Returns  From Security Operations to Warfighting  Route Clearance and Military Search

C-IED Panel

 Current threat and possible short term IED development  Technical exploitation in support to Attack the criminal Networks

Following speakers participated in the Conference with their presentations reflecting the above-mentioned topics:

EOD TECHNOLOGY SEMINAR LTC Constantin EFRIM, ROU A Integration of the Exoskeleton in the Battlefield NATO EOD Centre of Excellence Marc O. MILEWSKI GARANT SPS‐15 Bomb Suit‐Latest improvements & GARANT Schutztechnik GmbH (DEU) Innovations Dr. Aris MAKRIS Developments in Bomb Suit Testing and Standardisation Med – Eng (CAN) Charles E. DEAN Future Robotics with Focus on Controlled Autonomous Endeavor Robotics (USA) Robots as Desired Capability Supporting EOD Missions Wolfgang SUSS Cost Effective Aerial Survey Solutions SENSYS (DEU) Dr. Arnold SCHOOLDERMAN Assesment of Detection Technologies for Military Search Netherlands Organisation for Applied Scientific Research Prof. Motoyuki SATO Dual Sensor “ALIS” for Humanitarian Demining Tohoku University (JPN) Peter WHITE Chemical and Biological Munition Disposal Defence Science and Technology Laboratory (GBR) Marc CUMO Current and Future Trends and Methods in IED US Army International Technology Identification and Neutralization Center‐Northern Europe MILENG PANEL LTC Wolfgang BAYER, DEU A EOD within the MILENG Function NATO MILENG Centre of Excellence MAJ Serdar GENC, TUR A Route and Area Clearance NATO MILENG Centre of Excellence MAJ Soren SCHWARTZ‐PETERSEN Military Search (NATO Doctrine) NATO MILENG Centre of Excellence WO‐II Jes HAFERBIER MNC Thought on EOD in a NATO Art.5 Scenario on NATO Headquarters Multinational Corps Soil Northeast, Poland LTC Bruno CHARON French Perspectives French Military Engineer School LTC (ret) Christophe LUCAZEAU Experience from Mali French Military Engineer School C‐IED PANEL LTC Gonzalo MARTIN NIETO, ESP A Current Threat and Possible Short Term IED Development NATO C‐IED Centre of Excellence MSGT Oscar FERNANDEZ ALONSO, ESP Technical Exploitation in Support to Attack the Criminal NATO C‐IED Centre of Excellence Network MAJ Cristian ADASCALITEI VIP Protection Against IEDs and Emerging Terrorist Romanian Presidential Guard and Improvised Threats Protection Service

Level of presentations and discussions reflected the expertise contribution of 18 speakers from 12 countries representing NATO, EU, international and national institutions, agencies, academies, companies and others, who took advantage of the opportunity to present not only new but also visionary ideas.

4. Outputs 4.1. Considerations

Overall topic of the NATO Demonstrations and Trials 2018 “Multidisciplinary Approach to EOD” was reflected by all of the speakers. The summary resulted from briefings and discussions within D&T18 demonstrates our understanding and thinking about current considerations and future trends and tendencies in the EOD, C-IED and MILENG areas. Anonymous after action feedback1 among event attendees (visitors, producers, exhibitors, SMEs and speakers) proved that D&T18 objectives provided not only a platform for networking but also a solid base for sharing of knowledge and information. Based on perspectives presented by number of speakers during the conference and resulted from following analysis, D&T18 highlighted several important considerations from EOD and C-IED perspectives.

Current experiences from the Middle East - especially from Syria and Iraq show that IEDs will continue to be a weapon of choice. In addition to it, combination with the CBRN IED components will likely rise, mostly in war influenced countries where the governments do not have the full control over the CBR assets. Noticeably, more and more attackers are better educated, have easier access to obtain ammunition or chemical substances (agents) needed for the construction of more sophisticated IEDs. With current ongoing refugee crises when many of people are moving to the Europe with their identity concealed, a threat of organized IED attacks might move from failed states to the countries in Europe and even over Atlantic, in USA or Canada. In fact, the attacks have already been conducted and a scale and coordination of the future attacks is only a question of time. Moreover, easier access to education and diversification of sources needed to construct an IED will lead to their further sophistication, misusing the new technologies to construct IEDs.

In the light of this ”Evolution of the threat”, the following EOD and C-IED challenges have to be addressed:

 Improved information sharing within NATO would result to a better and faster response to IED threat.  Information exchange between the technology producers and end-users has to be improved, especially in direct NATO – Industry area. It would help producers to receive the fast and proper feedback to be able to swiftly react to new challenges, to improve their EOD related products.

Technology – protection

As an EOD operator’s security and safety is paramount and cannot be compromised, there is a strong will to enhance existing protecting tools and to the possible extent eliminate operator’s presence close to the target. The unstoppable technological

1 Anonymous after action feedback was conducted by NATO EOD COE. 17 progress will further influence the development of already existing and new protecting technologies to ensure the protection of operators.

 EOD Bomb Suit Key tool to protect operator when dispatched on target is the bomb suit. It is obvious that the EOD bomb suit must protect the operator to some extent against overpressure, fragmentation, impact and heat. Eminent requirement, based on experience from Middle East conflicts, is bomb suit enhancement with the CBR protection. As a result, apart from its protective features against conventional explosive charges and its comfortable using, the bomb suit also needs to protect the operator against CBR agents. Positive tendencies are visible, as we can see more and more bomb suit producers’ development to fulfill this new requirement.

The bomb suit, at the same time, must not hinder EOD operations. Furthermore, it must provide comfortable use of EOD tools by the EOD operator. Bomb suit combined with the exoskeleton looks like a suitable tool to meet those requirements. Right now, two main bomb suits producers (Med-Eng, Garant) are deeply involved in another NATO DAT POW project “Integration of the Exoskeleton in the Battlefield” led by NATO EOD COE.

 Remotely operated vehicles, autonomous vehicles In order to conduct successful and safe EOD tasks it is crucial to provide the EOD operators with most sophisticated tools. One of the emerging possibility is the remotely operated vehicles with multi-sensors.

Development of autonomous vehicles represent another way to improve the protection. First desired step of autonomy should be autonomous movement to the target; second should be conducting the spot reconnaissance, including CBR. Autonomous vehicles can also be a good solution to fight against electromagnetic jamming conducted by the enemy. More sophisticated autonomous vehicles can be equipped with additional tools to support some of the EOD operator’s tasks. Not less important is the EOD UASs development. So far, the UASs are able to conduct area searching and reconnaissance mission. It is achieved by preprogramming of the flight or by operator’s

18 remote control. In this area, it is necessary to enhance sensor/detector’s capability and to enhance electromagnetic jamming protection. Moreover, very important is EOD SME’s initiative to set up requirements/demands for this type of equipment.

 Standardization, unification of testing procedures During the discussion between the SMEs and Speakers from variety of institutions and companies, new requirement was identified, to check technical data declared by producers. One of the possible solution is to establish NATO accredited certification and verification institution that would be accepted by all NATO members.

More important is to create a tool to compile the experiences collected from equipment users in order to support further development of the equipment and to deliver those information to producers. So far, it seems that in some situations the feedback between producers and users is not working properly; therefore, the producers are not able to deliver a timely and orientated reaction in accordance with the operational requirements of users.

 Multisensory tools Due to the fact that potential enemy is able to create more sophisticated IED, there is need to use more sensors to detect the threat. The EOD teams are using variety of detectors/sensors, which means new demands to carry/transport them to the desired areas. One possibility how to avoid problems with heavy loads is to construct multisensory detectors. In this area, we can notice progress, some companies already developed multi-sensors. Good example is a hand-held dual sensor system, which consists of a metal detector and a ground-penetrating radar (GPR). The unique feature of the dual sensor detector is its visualization function of the metal detector and GPR. Operators can easily identify buried mines on the visualized output. Non-negligible provision is possibility to use ordinary civilian tablet or cell phone equipped with accessory application for underground object visualization. This is one of potential directions how to minimize burden laid on EOD teams. Another can be combination of object visualization and composition analyzes.

4.2 Final Words

NATO EOD COE, NATO C-IED COE and NATO MILENG COE expressed their strong belief that the D&T series is an excellent tool providing great opportunities for military community, academics, and producers to discuss requirements, needs and directions for development of products and share current information during the static exhibitions, live demonstrations, Senior Military Leaders Seminar and Conference. Organizing of the D&T event traditionally brings together senior policy directors from across the complete EOD community to gather and discuss strategic, operational and technical considerations of tackling EOD across all sectors. The benefits of D&T18 were highly appreciated by all EOD, C-IED and MILENG communities and all three Centers of Excellence are committed to serve as the main bodies to transform these goals into reality. Support of the NATO Emerging Security Challenges Division (ESCD) to the D&T Series is crucial as without it there would not be such an excellent and successful event beneficial for the EOD, C-IED and MILENG communities and at the end for the whole NATO.

All conclusions and ways ahead are in the process of analyzing and NATO EOD COE made a commitment to publish the results of the analyses, together with a compilation of presentations from the conference, to the Book of Papers that is to be released in the first quarter of 2019. A summarizing video covering the D&T18 will also be attached to the Book of Papers. In addition, the Final Report will be published in the Counter- IED Report magazine.

According to the number of visitors, producers, academia and SMEs regularly participating to the D&T and based on the Anonymous after action feedback conducted by EOD COE it is clear that D&T series, held every two years, has become a valuable cyclic event. This conclusion is supported by the fact that majority of exhibitors has already confirmed their interest to participate in the next Demonstrations and Trials 2020.

Special appreciation goes to NATO ESCD for their sponsorship, NATO C-IED COE and NATO MILENG COE for co-organizing and Counter-IED Report for advertising of the NATO EOD Demonstrations and Trials 2018.

Counter‐IED Report

ESCD

21 5. Specification of NATO Demonstrations and Trials 2018

No Subject Details Remark 1 DAT POW item DAT POW 2018 Budget allocation, commitment number 20092/2018 2 Title of the activity Demonstrations and Trials 2018 3 Type of activity Exhibition with conference 4 Timeframe 19 – 20 SEP 2018 18 and 21 SEP 2018 as preparation and re-deployment days 5 Location INCHEBA EXPO Centre, Bratislava Slovak Republic 6 Planned objectives As stated in the Chapters: Summary, Background, and Event Outline of this report 7 Description of the work Detailed in the chapter Event done Outline 8 Achieved results Summarized in the chapters Event Outline and Outputs 9 Outcomes and benefits Summarized in the chapter Event for NATO Outline and Outputs Book of Papers to be issued in spring 2019 10 Information on web D&T18 video sequence https://youtu.be/8tr58LRgYd4

6. Abbreviations used

C-IED Countering IED CBR Chemical, Biological, Radiological CBRN Chemical, Biological, Radiological and Nuclear COE Centre of Excellence D&T NATO EOD Demonstrations and Trials DAT POW Defence against Terrorism Program of Work EOD Explosive Ordnance Disposal GPR Ground-Penetrating Radar IED Improvised Explosive Disposal MILENG Military Engineering PPE Personal Protective Equipment ROV Remotely Operated Vehicle SME Subject Matter Experts SMLS Senior Military Leaders Seminar UAS Unmanned Aerial Systems