NATO provides high-tech defences for Afghanistan airports

The high-tech ‘non-intrusive’ systems, will allow security personnel to scan incoming vehicles for explosives at safe distance, some 200 meters.

This avoids personnel having to put themselves in harm’s way by having to approach and physically inspect a potentially suspect vehicle.

Countering homemade bombs

A contract for the delivery of the equipment to Kandahar airfield in southern Afghanistan has now been signed, and follows deliveries to Kabul airport and ISAF Headquarters in the capital city.

"These systems will provide the NATO-ISAF with an operational capability able to screen every single vehicle entering the base,” said Franco Fiore, project manager at the NC3A. “The ability to remotely operate the system from an operational control room placed 200m from the vehicle screening system - and therefore a potential improvised explosive device (IED) - goes a long way to protect security personnel".

Due to the country’s size, difficult terrain and poor road network, airports and airfields play a key role both in the country’s economy and NATO operations.

The project is part of a series of technologies being deployed by the NC3A to counter the threat posed by improvised explosive devices under the NATO Security Investment Programme.

For more information, please contact Michal Olejarnik, michal.olejarnik@nc3a.nato.int, tel.: + 32 475 907 040.