FORGING NEW FRONTIERS IN CBRE DEFENCE

Security threats consisting of Chemical, Biological, Radiological and Explosives (CBRE) elements are constantly evolving, due largely in part to our porous international borders and the proliferation and advancement of technology. As such, the ease of manufacturing and deploying such materials and weapons allows "a few individuals to inflict disproportionate actual harm and create anxiety against large numbers of people".

An integrated approach comprising technological and operational capabilities must thus be harnessed to address these emerging issues and create effective solutions to meet changing operational needs.

Deputy Prime Minister and Minister for Defence Teo Chee Hean said this during his opening address at the 6th Singapore International Symposium on Protection Against Toxic Substances (SISPAT) and 2nd International CBRE Operations Conference (ICOC).

Jointly held at the Raffles City Convention Centre, the four-day event is organised by the DSO National Laboratories and is attended by some 340 defence scientists, researchers and military personnel from 23 countries.

This year's symposium features distinguished keynote speakers such as the Director of the Institute for Transuranium Elements, Joint Research Centre, European Commission, Professor Thomas Fanghanel; Senior Scientist (High Consequence Explosive Technologies) from Sandia National Laboratories, New Mexico, USA, Dr Frederick Harper; and Commander, Singapore Armed Forces (SAF) CBRE Defence Group (CBRE DG), Colonel Lee Heok Chye.

Recognising the need to counter evolving CBRE threats to leverage on next-wave technologies, DSO has partnered with the Nanyang Technological University to develop capabilities and foster expertise. One of DSO's scientists, Dr Pong Boon Kin, has tapped on nanotechnology to create a specialised coating that reacts with indoor light to decontaminate chemical warfare agents deeply embedded within porous surfaces.

Further, in view of the challenges particular to Singapore's highly urbanised setting, DSO and SAF CBRE DG jointly embarked on a project to develop an Indoor Dispersion Modelling software capable of accurately predicting and monitoring the spread of more than 40 chemical agents in an indoor environment.

With this software, a building's floor plan is first keyed into the programme, together with information on the nature, quantity and surface exposure of the chemical agent. By taking into account key areas such as the location of elevators, air handling units and stairways, the programme will then be able to show a simulated clip of how the released chemical agent will dissipate within the building.

"This postulates a release scenario and helps with operational threat assessment on the ground. It allows for the gathering of vital information to formulate mitigation plans against the flow of toxic substances, and aid in emergency responses during an attack," explained Lieutenant-Colonel Paul Chan, Commanding Officer of the 39th Battalion, Singapore Combat Engineers, who also emphasised the importance of the close collaboration between operational and technological agencies in order to create effective CBRE-related solutions.

In addition, cooperation among global parters is also crucial in the fight against the scourge of CBRE threats. One of the programme highlights of the 2nd ICOC will see the SAF CBRE DG and the United States Army Pacific conducting a joint capability demonstration at Pasir Laba Camp on 9 Dec.

The demonstration will showcase the response capabilities and interoperability of both armed forces in dealing with simulated improvised explosive devices. It will also serve to highlight operational challenges in countering CBRE threats and to encourage focused and collaborated discussions between the operations, scientific and defence industry communities for the progression of future technologies and capabilities.

Launched in 1998, SISPAT is the sole CBRE symposium in the Asia-Pacific region. It was held in conjunction with the 1st ICOC in 2006 to promote information sharing and knowledge exchange between international technological and operational communities.

08 Dec 09 - DPM Teo Opens Conference on CBRE Defence
08 Dec 09 - Speech by Deputy Prime Minister and Minister for Defence Teo Chee Hean at the Joint 6th Singapore International Symposium on Protection against Toxic Substances and 2nd International CBRE Operations Conference Opening Ceremony