Unprecedented Armenian-American CBRN Response Exercises Held in Armenia

YEREVAN — As part of countering weapons of mass destruction (WMDs), field exercises were held in Armenia jointly with the Defense Threat Reduction Agency of the US Department of Defense from 19-24 September, the press service of the Armenian Security Council reports.

The exercises, which were coordinated by the Security Council staff, were held with the participation of competent bodies of the Armenian state administration system.

The exercises were aimed at considering the possibilities and mechanisms of the Armenian response to the spread of chemical, biological, radiological and nuclear threats. It was an unprecedented exercise for Armenia, both in terms of the number of structures involved and geography.

The exercise involved 10 bodies of the state administration system responsible for responding to chemical, biological, radiological and nuclear trends.

Six different scenarios were played out to assess the prevention of emergencies caused by chemical, biological, radiological and nuclear risk factors, as well as the ability to respond to these situations. Some of the scenarios were realistic and others were simulations.

The exercise-based analysis will provide a comprehensive assessment of the current situation related to response to chemical, biological, radiological and nuclear incidents, identify strengths and weaknesses, and, as an ultimate goal, strengthen Armenia’s response capabilities to the above-mentioned incidents.