European Defence Agency, EDA, is the umbrella organization for the project together with the lead nation Netherlands and with the help of other member countries. The laboratory has cost approximately EUR 2 million to build, it is brand new and out on its maiden voyage. Sweden and The Exercise Bison Counter is the proud host. Major Gary Campbell, head of the 12. C-IED TF during the exercise, in close cooperation with JDEAL staff and mentions that the exercise will be a skills development for all involved.
The laboratory tested for the first time
Major Geert-Jan Verkoeijen, Commanding Officer of the lab proudly shows the container exterior and interior. - Me and my staff are proud and committed both in show and test the equipment in the exercise, says Major Verkoeijen. It is important says Major Verkoeijen JDEAL to be as visible as possible, to get policy makers to take quick and strategic decisions about the use of the equipment where there is need.
"To participate in the Exercise Bison Counter is important, cooperation and coordination within the C-IED area is necessary. The exercise involves twenty countries through the cooperation European Defence Agency Project Team Countering Improvised Explosive Devices (C-IED PT), so we will reach out with our message" says major Verkoeijen and continuous:
"An urgent goal is a common C-IED terminology for all stakeholders."
From fingerprints to air particles
His colleague and chemist Dr. Andreas Kühar explains that the components and materials from conventional and improvised bombs are collected, analyzed, X-rayed, photographed and documented to be at the forefront in terms of technology and tactics in the C-IED area.
Evidence in form of fingerprints, procedures and manufacturing are collected.
"All the equipment in the lab is the latest technology and manufactured to be deployed and operated under any climatic conditions", says Andreas Kühar. The mobile forensic laboratory is part of the chain practiced by Bison Counter to detect, mitigate, neutralize, predict and prevent the threat from criminal groups and networks.
"We the good forces want to stay ahead of those who have planted the bomb", says major Gary Campbell.