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2023-09-07

Indra Delivers IED Busting Labs to Australia

Indra Australia has delivered two deployable Weapons Technical Intelligence (WTI) laboratories to the Australian Army. These facilities are equipped with advanced technology aimed at countering the threat posed by improvised explosive devices (IEDs). The primary objective of these WTI laboratories is to conduct controlled exploitation of improvised explosive devices.

Their capabilities encompass evidence collection, thorough analysis, provision of crucial attack data, and supply chain identification.

Through a series of systematic activities, these devices undergo comprehensive examination to ascertain their technical, tactical, and forensic aspects.

This process aids in identifying components and recovering material traces associated with the manufacturing and handling of these devices.

Designed for flexible transportation and deployment, Indra’s solution incorporates various modules for chemical, biological, electronic, media and technical operations, as well as a command and control room, triage facilities, storage of evidence and hazardous materials.

Actionable Intelligence

Adam Taylor, project manager, pointed out: “The real value of this system lies in the fact that it provides latest equipment and operating methods in a modular and scalable deployment configuration. The laboratory thus provides the operation’s commanders with rapid and actionable intelligence on the improvised explosive devices in situ, which could allow them to enter the attack cycle of their adversaries. It’s an intrusive but non-destructive process, so it allows for deeper subsequent detonation.”

The WTI laboratory can also be used for other events, such as natural disasters. For example, it can be used to collect and analyse evidence from the scene of a natural disaster, such as debris from a building collapse or soil samples from an area that has been flooded. This evidence can be used to identify the cause of the disaster, to assess the damage, and to develop plans for recovery.

The laboratory is also equipped with a variety of tools and equipment that include: A mobile X-ray machine that can be used to scan debris for hidden objects; a chemical analysis laboratory that can be used to identify the composition of materials; a DNA analysis laboratory that can be used to identify human remains.

The two systems that have been delivered by Indra are based on a container solution. The containers consist of robust ISO 20 shelters certified for any standard mobile logistics platform currently in use by the Australian Defence Force and meet stringent environmental requirements for deployment anywhere in the world.

Local Collaboration

While equipping the Australian Army with advanced capabilities, the project has prioritised local industry involvement. Over 90 per cent of the project was carried out in Australia, in collaboration with local equipment manufacturers and distributors.

Indra Australia has strengthened its partnership with Daronmont Technologies and Zenith Custom Creations, underscoring its commitment to local manufacturing of the laboratories. Moreover, it has drawn upon its global experience from other programmes to amplify the collective capabilities within the country, offering deployable infrastructures to the Australian Armed Forces. This approach ensures a remarkable boost to Australian industrial prowess within the programme’s framework.

Threat Detection

Indra is a pioneering company in the field of improvised explosive device detection and Chemical, Biological, Radiological, and Nuclear (CBRN) security, with over 30 years’ experience. It has self-developed systems that cover all the phases of a threat, including detection and early warning, threat identification, critical infrastructure protection, decontamination and information management and processing (C2 systems) for both civilian and military customers.

The company has the experience of operations in NATO countries, providing solutions such as CBRNe alert networks, reconnaissance and response vehicles, mobile and fixed laboratories and decontamination.

It has supplied the European Defence Agency (EDA) with two laboratories for the forensic analysis of transportable improvised devices.

It has also equipped the National Police Force and the Mossos d’Esquadra (Police Force of Catalonia) in Spain with its iForenLIBS solution, transportable advanced chemical analysis equipment with Laser-induced breakdown spectroscopy (LIBS) technology that is capable of detecting traces of explosives, gunshot residues and other substances.

The company is also a leader in the development of emergency command and control centres that monitor and coordinate actions in the event of any kind of emergency.

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