Scope “Counteraction against remotely controlled IED’s”

Attacks with improvised explosive devices (IEDs) are one of the main methods to intimidate and coerce the publicity and main method of causing civilian and military losses. The main effort for counteraction against remotely controlled IED’s includes means for detection, means for physical protection and jamming the radio frequencies for initiation and remote control, neutralization and destruction of IED’s.

RESEARCH TASKS

Most of the recent terrorist attacks are realized through remotely initiated improvised explosive devices. The risk of such attacks exists both in times of peace and war. The assaults in England and Egypt, as well as the assault in Madrid’s subway in 2004 are among the recent tragic examples. In 70% of the assaults, the IED’s are initiated using wide-spread and commonly available communication means, such as remote control devices, radio toys, mobile phones, pagеrs, etc. They are preferred by the terrorists for their easy adjustment and lack of control over their acquisition and usage. Therefore it is particularly important to ensure preventive countermeasures for remotely initiated IED’s against:

  • Stationary and movable objects;
  • Important transport thoroughfares and logistic centers;
  • Mass rallies and events;
  • Government officials and objects.

The up-to-date means for detection of IED’s combine a few techniques or technologies. The most widespread ones include:

  • Electromagnetic ones, employing: Backscatter X-Rays, Nuclear Quadrupole Resonance (NQR), Terahertz radiation, Laser induced breakthrough spectroscopy (LIBS);
  • Technology for detection of vapors and traces of explosives. The sensitivity shall be very high due to the very low concentration of the substances examined. A very high selectivity shall be ensured to avoid false alarms. These high requirements restrict the number of devices for detection of traces of particles;
  • Nuclear technologies.

The methods for counteraction against IED’s include: means for detection; means for protection – physical protection and jamming the radio frequencies for initiation and remote control; neutralization and destruction of IED’s.

The trend for development and establishment of Dynamic system for detection of IED’s is extraordinarily promising. The system can comprise:
a/ dynamic binary radar (DBR);
b/ metal detector for ferrous and non-ferrous metals;
c/ GPS.

The methods and means developed can be used in special missions against organized criminal and terrorist groups, missions for dismantling explosive devices, protection against systems for observation and tapping, protection against undesired communications.

The efforts in this scope are directed to carrying out the following tasks:
1. Development of electro-magnetic technology employing discrete laser spectroscopy.
2. Development of Dynamic system for detection of IED’s.
3. Examination of the most reliable, efficient and practically applicable methods for counteraction against remotely initiated IED’s based on countermeasures against the receiver of the detonation command frequency channel.
4. Development of countermeasures against remotely initiated IED’s through radio frequency means, including satellite signals.
5. Development of integral counteraction systems.

ANTICIPATED EFFECTS AND RESULTS

In the scope “Counteraction against remotely controlled IED’s” the following effects and results shall be achieved:
1. Development of advanced technologies for integral protection against remotely controlled IED’s.
2. Development of Dynamic System for detection of IED’s
3. Development of electromagnetic technology on the base of laser spectroscopy with interrupted lines.
4. Development of integral systems for protection of:

  • stationary and movable objects;
  • important transport thoroughfares and logistics centers;
  • mass rallies and events;
  • government officials and objects.

5. Training of personnel for operation with the systems.