Sedgefield-based Kromek Group plc’s nuclear-detection devices have been deployed to protect world-leaders at the NATO summit.
On 24 March, the 30 NATO heads of state gathered in Brussels for an emergency summit to discuss Russia’s invasion of Ukraine. Part of the security infrastructure deployed to protect the allies included D3S-ID radiation detectors, manufactured by engineers at the County Durham technology company.
D3S-IDs are wearable nuclear radiation detectors, designed to enable first responders, armed forces, border security and other chemical, biological, radiological and nuclear (CBRN) experts to detect threats. It is one of the fastest and most accurate isotope identification devices on the market and is also a fraction of the size and cost of similar products.
It is designed to detect radiological threats like dirty bombs, radioactive contamination, smuggling of radioactive substances and radiation at the scene of an accident or terrorist attack.
Dr Arnab Basu, CEO of Kromek, said: “In light of the reports of turmoil at the Chernobyl site and in the battle over Zaporizhzhia nuclear plant, the global community is alive to immediate nuclear dangers. These emerge both from damaged infrastructure and the growing threat of dirty bombs being manufactured using radioactive waste.
“Consequently, governments and their agencies are increasingly expected to enhance their wide area monitoring to be able to provide early warning of the presence of nuclear material.
“Kromek products are world-leading in delivering this capability, demonstrated by their deployment at events such as NATO in Brussels last week.”