With radiological and nuclear threats, the risk is never zero.
Recent conflict taking place on the doorstep of nuclear infrastructure, as seen in Ukraine, and the constant development of new CBRN-based weapons are only making radiological and nuclear threats even more of a reality on the battlefield.
So, what happens when an incident does occur?
The military, emergency response teams and technical authorities must be prepared, and Kromek makes this simple.
Collaborating with UK, US and other government agencies, Kromek develops radiological and biological detection and identification solutions that significantly enhance CBRN early warning systems and facilitates rapid, appropriate hazard responses for defence forces.
The small, lightweight, wearable range of personal radiation detectors (PRDs) developed by Kromek ensure that preventative action can be taken by those on-the-ground and at a distance to maintain the safety of troops, civilians and key infrastructure as best as possible in time-demanding situations.
The importance of PRDs
PRDs serve as the front line of defence against R&N threats, providing on-the-ground and remote users with constant situational awareness. They are active in their radiation monitoring, producing real-time data along with rapid alarms when a source is detected.
Kromek’s D3S ID and D3M constantly monitor the surroundings of the wearer, offering reliable detection and immediate alerts needed by those completing routine surveillance. As soon as the alarm sounds, the necessary actions to protect, troops, civilians and critical infrastructure can be taken.
The small form factor and lightweight design of the D3S ID and D3M makes them an unnoticeable addition to the already-heavy equipment of troops: delivering life-saving radiation detection capabilities without adding any extra strain on the user.
In particularly high-risk environments, the option to mount the detectors onto vehicles and UGVs allows users to maintain safe distances from any R&N threats present.
When you need a RIID
When more granular spectroscopic data is needed, higher resolution devices, such as Kromek’s highly sensitive, medium resolution D5 RIID, allows CBRN specialists to perform accurate secondary adjudications. More detailed spectra can be attained on an R&N incident, further informing next steps in reconnaissance and effective strategic decisions, especially in more complex situations e.g. mixed source events.
However, not every mission demands a granular isotope breakdown. More cost-effective, lower-resolution PRDs, such as Kromek’s D3S ID and D3M, provide the essentials of dose, count and isotope ID data to inform that initial safety response as soon as a R&N threat is detected. They are not restricted to expert users, requiring little to no training to use. Automatic calibration also saves significant time and money.
Why the D3S ID
- Discreet – the D3S ID detector has no screen with the user reading key radiological data from a paired phone, making the detector imperceptible to the public or any suspect
- Real-time isotope ID – the D3S ID collects RIID-quality spectral data and displays the identified isotope(s) clearly on screen to help inform context-specific action
- Large areas surveyed quickly – the D3S ID enhances situational awareness through collecting spectral data made available from large focal areas, four times faster than the RIID standard
- High sensitivity – the D3S ID ensured even the lowest levels of radioactivity don’t go undetected
- Field-proven – D3S IDs are deployed by helping to keep authorities safe all over the world, with one notable example being the use of D3S IDs with dogs in Ukraine. The D3S ID detectors supply troops with key early warning capabilities in radiation detection and identification at a distance, allowing handlers and their canine companions to respond rapidly to R&N threat at hand to keep themselves safe in high-risk environments.
Why the D3M
- Extensive spectral storage – unlike other PRDs, the D3M has the unique capability of storing over 100,000 spectral files of RIID-quality data which can be extracted and analysed by CBRN specialists for reliable secondary adjudication and informing next steps e.g. remediation
- Ultra-low false alarm rate – the D3M makes sure interruptions only occur in the event of a real radiological threat, so no time is wasted
- IP65 rating – the D3M is ruggedised and ready for any harsh environment troops are faced with
- Long battery life – the 24-hour battery life of the D3M ensures users can receive essential alarms and dose data throughout the duration of their mission
- Option for isotope ID – in instances where isotope ID is needed, the D3M can be paired with a phone with the Kromek ID app to enable the extra capability of real-time isotope ID
- Field-proven – over 2000 D3Ms are safeguarding personnel against radiological threats, including sources with low activity
Be prepared with Kromek PRDs
The rapid, reliable and far-reaching radiological detection and identification capabilities of PRDs are non-negotiable, and essential for staying one step-ahead of R&N threats. With the constant monitoring and instant Gamma and Neutron alarms of the D3S ID and D3M, the presence/absence of radioactive material can be confirmed with speed and confidence. Rapid action can then be taken to keep troops, civilians and infrastructure as safe as possible.
To expand widespread situational awareness, D3S IDs and D3Ms can be integrated seamlessly into existing alarm networks and communications systems alongside other specialised detectors. As a result, widespread protection networks can be established. Data from various specialist detectors from large target areas can be viewed simultaneously by decision-makers, providing remote decision-makers with a comprehensive view of the target area to better coordinate next steps. CBRN specialists can also be alerted to the threat and get ready to deploy higher resolution devices for more detailed analysis.
When a radiological or nuclear incident does occur, you’ll be ready with Kromek PRDs.
Read the original article on pages 88-91 in the Fourth Edition of Military Systems and Technology 2025
