SYNCHRONIZED C-IED STRATEGY IN EUROPE
SYNCHRONIZED C-IED STRATEGY IN EUROPE TO COUNTER THE EVOLVING IED THREAT By Johann Fischer, Head of Unit Land & Logistics and Danny Heerlein, Project Officer C-IED European Defence Agency This article provides an overview of how the European Defence Agency (EDA) supports the continuous effort of our Member States with multiple C-IED projects, namely: the Joint Deployable Exploitation and Analysis Laboratory (JDEAL); the European Centre of Manual Neutralization Capabilities (ECMAN); the Military Search Capability Building (MSCB); Smart Future Counter Improvised Explosive Devices Field Laboratory (SF C-IED FL); and Bison Counter C-IED Exercises Capability Building (BC-EX). In addition to these projects, a three-dimensional model for categorising incidents involving EDs and two new technologies, whose added value for the C-IED sector will be tested, are presented. Finally, further considerations on the topic of C-IED are raised.
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NTRODUCTION
The IED threat is constantly evolving due to technological progress, changing conflict parties and their corresponding intentions. Mitigating this threat and adequately preparing the troops for the scenarios of tomorrow requires a constant effort by the EU Member States (MS). But what is an IED? How do you counter this threat, and when are your own capabilities sufficient to adequately counter the threat of tomorrow? Perhaps the first aspect of the question seems too obvious. Of course, each one of us knows what an IED is, but having discussions with other experts shows that reaching a standardised definition is a real challenge. However, if this definition is replaced by a model that provides a generally valid representation of the underlying aspects of the threat, incidents can be clearly categorised. This article provides an overview of how the European Defence Agency (EDA) supports the
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continuous effort of our Member States with multiple C-IED projects - all coherent with the NATO C-IED approach. The focus is fixed on the land domain projects since the majority of IEDs have been found on land. As well as the introduction of a threedimensional model for the categorisation of incidents with explosive devices, this article presents an overview of two new technologies whose added value will be tested in the field of C-IEDs.
NATO C-IED APPROACH According to (NATO, 2018) Figure 1 NATO, the process of mitigating the risks caused by IED activities to minimise the impact on own operations is like a building. Its roof is supported by three mutually supporting and complementary pillars standing on a strong foundation. Understanding and intelligence are the foundation for any operation, and it facilitates: