Physical Protection and Weapons Effects
Participation in international operations and changing threat scenarios make new demands on the physical protection of personnel and equipment.
FOI, through the Physical Protection and Weapons Effects, develops expertise and methods for the design and evaluation of new means of physical protection against conventional weapons effects encountered in military conflicts, terrorism or sabotage.
This work is supported by unique experimental facilities which make it possible to undertake the full range of tasks from standardised testing to detailed studies of the interaction between warheads and protective structures. Large-scale explosive trials and full-scale trials to study the spread of fire and smoke can also be carried out.
The Department of Physical Protection and Weapons Effects has long experience of studying and evaluating different techniques for physical protection. Using experimental results, analytical models and numerical simulations, complex physical processes are converted into forms suitable for supporting technical decision-making relating to the vulnerability of personnel, vehicles, buildings etc. It also enables the potential of new weapons and protection techniques to be assessed.
The department can also undertake risk analyses of different scenarios. Participation in international networks ensures that we are able to take full advantage of new technical developments and possibilities. This information is evaluated and made available to both the defence sector and the civil community.
In close collaboration with our customers we are engaged in finding the answers to technical challenges concerning the survival of both men and materiel. Our expertise is also put to use in reducing the vulnerability of vital civil functions in the face of sabotage and terrorism. Our principal customers are the Swedish Armed Forces, the Defence Materiel Administration (FMV), the defence industry and civil defence organisations.