Forensics

IED Detection – Have Trained K9 Finished their Role?

As terrorist elements around the world continue to deploy IEDs as their most deadly weapon of choice in today’s battlespace, numerous explosive detection solutions are increasingly fielded in transport hubs such as airport and seaports, and by security forces, to detect explosives threats at high-value locations.

Handheld and desktop Explosive Thread Detection (ETD) systems have proven to be the most operationally valuable equipment for modern security forces in detecting and defeating IEDs. The latest generation of ETD solutions offer an attractive solution to augment K9 assets, and in certain situations replace their use entirely.

Using particulate and vapour ETD in concert is a valuable capability, and many security forces are acquiring ETD technologies which such dual functionality, allowing them to field both solutions in one handheld toolbox.

ETD devices require minimal consumable resources to operate, have a lower operating cost and lower total cost of ownership, require little operator training, have no break-in period, and can be easily transported and replaced. In certain parts of the world, ETD screening may be less culturally disruptive than the introduction of K9 assets.