EDA is an organisation established about a year ago and which now provides support for the EU’s crisis management capability. The study to be carried out by FOI is entitled “Detection of IED with CBRN payload” where CBRN stands for Chemical, Biological, Radiological or Nuclear substances. The study has been allocated a budget of 75,000 Euro and is due to complete in early July this year.

The study will consist of several parts. A threat assessment is to be made of the different explosive substances that might be used by terrorists. FOI’s scientists will also survey the various detection methods that are available today and identify promising methods of detection based on current research. The study will also include proposals for an action plan setting out the possible way ahead for the EDA in this field.

This is the first time that the EDA has funded a research assignment in which the lead agency is a Swedish organisation. FOI will be the main contractor, having won the contract in competition with research bodies from other EU countries.
”It is very gratifying that we have been entrusted with the conduct of this assignment together with our partners,” says Dr Henric Östmark, Research Director at FOI’s Energetic Materials Department. This is a recognition of our international reputation as an authority in the field of detection and protection where hazardous substances are concerned. The French research establishment CEB (Le Bouchet Research Centre) and the Swedish company Combitech will be participating as subcontractors.