When we think about modern warfare, we often imagine complex weapons systems, high-tech drones, and cutting-edge cyber warfare. But one of the most crucial, albeit less glamorous, components of military defence is something that can save countless lives before the first shot is fired: early warning chemical detection.
UK Military Personnel practice CBRN decontamination techniques using Argon Electronic’s CamSIM chemical warfare hazard training simulator
In the evolving realm of CBRNe threats, simulation technology is indispensable for training military and first responder units, offering realism, cost savings, and enhanced readiness against modern security challenges.
Decades of secrecy shrouded Gruinard Island, laying off the western coast of Scotland. The island was deemed too dangerous to allow public access after it was contaminated during World War Two germ warfare experiments. In 1981, an unknown group calling themselves the Dark Harvest Commandos issued an ultimatum: clean up or face an Anthrax nightmare. This early attempt at bioterrorism serves as a reminder that such dangers still exist today.
The deadly nerve agent VX was used in the assassination of Kim Jong Un’s half-brother, Kim Jong Nam. It is the most lethal of the nerve agents produced, more so than Sarin, and has an interesting if shadowy history.
In September 2023, a UK court convicted Mohammad Al-Bared from Coventry of committing acts of terrorism. In December of that year, he was sentenced to life imprisonment with a minimum term of 20 years. His crime? Using 3D printer technology to produce an unmanned aerial vehicle (UAV); he prepared the single-use weapon in a bedroom and planned to export the UAV for use by the Islamic State terror group (ISIL). Chillingly, he hoped that the weapon would be used to deliver a chemical weapon payload.
The CBRNe Convergence 2021 is thrilled to be returning after last year’s hiatus. This edition of the event will be taking place in Orlando, Florida from 2–4 November 2021. The event will host three full days of conferences, workshops, and exhibitions. Click here to register.
Chemical, biological, radiological or nuclear (CBRN) incidents, by their very nature, are deliberate and malicious acts designed to invoke harm or fear through an intentional attack or threat.
While such events remain thankfully rare, when they do occur there is the vital need for a robust and decisive response.
It is twenty-six years since the Japanese terrorist group Aum Shinrikyo released the deadly nerve agent sarin in a series of five coordinated attacks on Tokyo's subway system.
Twelve people lost their lives in the aftermath of the incident on March 20th 1995. More than 5,000 civilians required medical attention, with some fifteen-hundred found to have been moderately to severely poisoned by the effects of the toxin.
Subsequent analysis of the harrowing events of that day would reveal a number of key lessons which continue to inform and guide authorities, responders and medical teams in their preparedness and response to chemical incidents.
Since it first came into effect in April 1997, the Chemical Weapons Convention (CWC) has set out to eliminate the use of chemical warfare agents by prohibiting their development, production, acquisition and stockpiling.
According to latest figures published by the Organisation for the Prohibition of Chemical Weapons (OPCW), approximately 98% of the world's declared chemical weapons stockpiles are currently believed to have been destroyed.