Drills

Chemical, biological and nuclear threats focus of NATO exercise in Alberta

The possibility of a terrorist attack using biological or chemical weapons makes the focus of a 15-day NATO training exercise at Canada's largest training base even more important, says a counterterrorism expert.
Even though the majority of recent attacks have involved explosives or armed gunmen, that doesn't mean a more serious threat isn't out there, says Chris Corry with Defence Research and Development Canada.
"Although people think it's a low-risk threat, it's a high consequence threat," the former Canadian infantry officer said Tuesday.
Exercise Precise Response 2016 at Canadian Forces Base Suffield in southeastern Alberta isn't about high-tech military equipment or heavily armed soldiers. It is focusing on chemical, biological, radiological and explosive material.
More than 350 chemical, biological, radiological and nuclear specialists from 10 NATO countries -- including Canada, the United States, Britain, France and Germany -- are testing their skills in a realistic environment. Nearly all of the participants are wearing some sort of biohazard suit.