On Thursday 19 November, the conference addressed security issues that can no longer be confined to military missions outside national borders. Improvised explosive devices, more commonly known as IEDs or ‘Improvised Explosive Devices’, are homemade devices constructed using parts from conventional explosives or everyday materials, as was the case in the recent suicide bombing at the ‘Santa Barbara’ barracks in Milan. The meeting comprised discussions on the challenges associated with detecting and neutralising IEDs, as well as practical demonstrations of the most technologically advanced equipment designed to counter the extremely diverse and numerous range of IEDs. By their very nature, IEDs are predominantly used by terrorists and represent the leading cause of casualties amongst allied forces and civilian populations in terrorist attacks. The unconventional nature of IEDs means that they can be created in various forms, depending on the attacker’s capabilities and resources; an IED may even contain components suitable for chemical, nuclear or bacteriological warfare, whilst the actual quantity of explosive used may also vary. IEDs can come in various sizes and shapes and contain different quantities of explosive, which makes it difficult to predict their explosive power, which can even be far greater than that of an industrially manufactured anti-tank mine. Detonators (explosive devices capable of triggering the detonation of an explosive charge) can also vary; attackers usually resort to military-grade materials, but in the absence of these, they may also construct homemade versions. According to the US Department of Defence, IEDs have accounted for approximately 80% of casualties among US personnel deployed in the Iraqi theatre of operations since the start of operations. Technologies are currently available that can detect both threats concealed within luggage in various forms and the traces and vapours of any substances used in the manufacture of explosive devices. ’Four-legged“ operators are invaluable in this work: explosive-detection dogs, which use their sense of smell to find minute quantities of explosive material concealed in the most hidden places. These animals prove particularly suitable when there is a need to clear large buildings or those designed to accommodate gatherings of people, and even vehicles used to transport various types of materials. The Armament Department of the Experimental Flight Centre is responsible for carrying out technical and operational assessments, trials and investigations into the effectiveness and safety of weapon systems and armament materials of interest, both ground-based and airborne. Drawing on officers with degrees in chemistry and engineering, as well as specialised technicians, organised into three Groups – Conventional Armament (GAC), Ballistics Investigations (GIB) and Technical Investigations (GIT) – the Department deals with issues relating to the interaction between ammunition, weapons and aircraft, promoting studies and trials aimed at identifying the most technically appropriate solutions. In view of the risks associated with the Armed Forces” increasing deployment outside Italy, the GAC has, in recent years, focused on the development and testing of techniques and systems capable of enhancing aircraft’s self-protection capabilities against missile threats, particularly IR-guided missiles, utilising advanced instrumentation and test campaigns conducted at firing ranges in accordance with NATO standards, whilst developing in-depth knowledge of IR and UV signatures, pyrotechnic devices and their associated launch systems. The GIB is responsible for type-approval tests, acceptance trials and expert assessments in the field of energetic materials (powders and propellants), collaborating on the development of criteria for the use, storage and efficiency testing of ground-based and on-board munitions, as well as rocket and missile engines; it also possesses the expertise and equipment to carry out, where necessary, the safe “disassembly” of propulsion and explosive systems.
Finally, the GIT addresses chemical, physical and technological issues relating to explosives and propellants, carrying out periodic checks, investigations and expert assessments on launch and drop munitions and on various types of pyrotechnic devices (including self-protection systems) in order to ensure the safety, stability and optimal preservation of all munitions in the Navy’s depots.
