Counter-Terrorism and Critical Infrastructure Protection

RAdm. Mario Bartoli

NATO Deputy Assistant Secretary General
Director of the Armaments Directorate

Rome, Center for High Defense Studies, 25th September 2006

 

This slide provides you an outline of what I am going to cover.
I will start with an indication about what NATO as a whole is doing in this area and then I will concentrate on the CNAD DAT program of work, for which I'm the NATO Coordinator.
 
(Next Slide)
 
Some background.
NATO acknowledged the security concerns that Terrorism poses in its 1999 Strategic Concept, its Military Concept for Defence Against Terrorism (DAT), & NATO's Comprehensive Political Guidance (CPG).  Since the attacks against the United States in September 2001, defending against terrorism has become a chief priority for NATO.
The terrorist attacks in Madrid (March 2004) and London (July 2005) have further strengthened NATO's determination to fight this consequential and global threat.  NATO has engaged in a number of initiatives - political, operational, conceptual, military and social - to address this issue.
 
(Next Slide)
 
To address the issue, NATO has engaged in extensive  consultations on terrorism and terrorism-related issues amongst its members, as well as with its Partners and many other non-NATO countries. Information exchange is one of the key aspects these consultations. 
At the Prague Summit in November 2002, improved intelligence-sharing was identified as a key requirement for  cooperation among the Allies. In 2003, a permanent structure, the Terrorist Threat Intelligence Unit (TTIU), was established at NATO HQ, which analyzes terrorist threats to  the Organisation. Further, to enhance intelligence-sharing, at the Istanbul Summit, June 2004, Heads of State and Government agreed to review intelligence structures and mechanisms.
In addition to enhancing dialogue on terrorism, NATO is also improving protection against cyber-attacks, and concurrently taking measures to prepare for possible disruptions to  NATO and national infrastructure assets, including information and communication systems.
 
(Next Slide)
 
Moving now to Operations.  NATO is – and has been – involved in a number of operations that are either directly or indirectly related to the defence  against terrorism.
 
Under Operation Active Endeavour, NATO ships are patrolling the Mediterranean, monitoring shipping and providing escorts to non-military vessels through the Straits of Gibraltar to help detect, deter and protect against terrorist activity. The operation has evolved out of NATO's immediate response to the terrorist attacks against the United States of 11 September 2001. As the Alliance has refined its counter-terrorism role in the intervening years, the operation's mandate has been regularly reviewed and its remit extended.
 
(Next Slide)
 
A concurrent on-going security operation is ISAF.  Since August 2003, NATO has been in command of the UN-mandated International Security Assistance Force (ISAF) in Afghanistan.  ISAF is assisting the Government of Afghanistan in maintaining security and expanding its authority to the rest of the country. In doing so, it is helping to remove the conditions in which terrorism can develop. It is important to note that this is the first ever NATO-led operation that has been conducted beyond the Euro-Atlantic area.
 
(Next Slide)
 
Throughout their operations, NATO peacekeeping forces in the Balkans have been acting against terrorist groups with links to the al-Quaida network. They continue to contribute to the fight against terrorism by focusing on the illegal movement of people, arms and drugs, which are often fundamental sources for terrorist financing, and work with regional authorities on border security issues.
Other operations include:  Operation Eagle Assist, conducted from mid-October 2001 to mid-May 2002. This operation consisted in protecting the US homeland from further terrorist attacks with NATO Airborne Warning and Control Systems (AWACS) aircraft.
NATO has also assisted in providing security for major public events, on the request of the host countries to include Olympic Games in Athens, the World and European Football Cups in Germany and Portugal  and for NATO's Summits.
 
(Next Slide)
 
Concerning Policies, Doctrine and Concepts.
Two major documents demonstrate NATO's determination to address the challenges of terrorism: the Military Concept for Defence Against Terrorism, adopted at the Prague Summit in November 2002, and the Comprehensive Political Guidance, to be endorsed at Riga. The guiding principles underlying these documents come from the Alliance's 1999 Strategic Concept, NATO's threat assessments on terrorism and political guidance provided by the North Atlantic Council.
 
(Next Slide)
 
The military concept for defence against terrorism distinguishes four roles for NATO's military operations:
- anti-terrorism (defensive/passive measures);
- consequence management;
- counter-terrorism (offensive/active measures);
- military cooperation.
The Concept underlines the Alliance's readiness:
- to act against terrorist attacks, or the threat of such attacks, directed from abroad against the populations, territory, infrastructure and forces of NATO member countries;
- to lead or support counter-terrorism operations;
- to provide assistance to national authorities in dealing with the consequences of terrorist attacks;
- to support operations by the EU or other international organisations or coalitions involving Allies on a case-by-case basis; and
to conduct military operations to engage terrorist groups and their capabilities, as and where required following the decision taken by the North Atlantic Council.
 
(Next Slide)
 
And to end this portion, the Comprehensive Political Guidance, which provides the framework and political direction for NATO's continuing transformation for the next 10 to 15 years, sets out Alliance priorities regarding capabilities, planning disciplines and intelligence. Terrorism is identified within this document as being one of the principal threats to the Alliance, together with the spread of weapons of mass destruction
 
(Next Slide)
 
Introducing now NATO Capabilities.
NATO has been introducing initiatives that are adapting military capabilities to new threats such as terrorism and the spread of weapons of mass destruction. The creation of the NATO Response Force, the streamlining of the military command structure and the launching of the Prague Capabilities Commitment  all contribute to this effort. However, NATO has adopted a number of measures that specifically address the issue of terrorism and the spread of weapons of mass destruction and their means of delivery. Let's review in more detail this last measure before concentrating on the DAT.
 
(Next Slide)
 
At the Prague Summit (November 2002), NATO adopted measures in the field of weapons of mass destruction (WMD). Five concrete initiatives were launched and have now been completed:
a joint team that can assess the effects of a nuclear, biological or chemical event, advise NATO commanders and allow them to ask national experts for technical advice;
a deployable analytical laboratory which can be rapidly transported into theatre to investigate, collect and analyse samples for identification of chemical, biological, radiological, and nuclear (CBRN) agents;
a NATO nuclear, biological and chemical defence virtual stockpile shared among members, consisting of items that indicates which members hold in what vaccine, chemical protection gear etc;
enhanced CBRN training; and
a disease surveillance system which can collect information on any outbreak of disease, fuse data and other information sources and alert NATO commanders of unusual biological outbreaks.
 
(Next Slide)
 
Other initiatives have also been initiated in the WMD field
The protection of civilian populations: members and partners are working together to improve civil preparedness against, and manage the consequences of, possible terrorist attacks with chemical, biological and radiological agents. At the Istanbul Summit, Allies endorsed a Civil Emergency Planning Action Plan that aims to achieve these objectives in enhanced response to national requests for NATO support in protecting and dealing with the consequences of terrorist attacks, including those involving CBRN weapons;
Assistance to protect selected major public events with NATO Airborne Early Warning and Control Aircraft and with the multinational chemical, biological, radiological and nuclear defence battalion, on the request of any member country.
 
(Next Slide)
 
Before introducing other capabilities a digression to mention the Partnerships and relations with other international organisations.
 
(Next Slide)
 
Increasingly, the fight against terrorism has become a key focus of NATO's cooperation with Partners. It has been a contributing factor to the enlargement of the Alliance and has accelerated the deepening of relations with other partner countries.
At the Prague Summit, NATO adopted a Partnership Action Plan against Terrorism (PAP-T), which is the main platform for joint efforts by Allies and Partners in the fight against terrorism. (Note All partner countries can participate, including NATO's Mediterranean Dialogue partners on a case-by-case basis.)
The plan  focuses on intelligence-sharing and cooperation in areas such as border security, counter-terrorism training and exercises, and the development of capabilities for defence or for dealing with the consequences of such an attack.
NATO-Russia relations have been given a significant boost following the September 11 attacks on the United States. Combating terrorism was one of the main drivers behind the creation of the NATO-Russia Council in May 2002.
Russia has offered to participate in operations such as Active Endeavour, together with several other countries (Ukraine, Algeria, Morocco, Israel, Albania and Georgia).
Relations with Ukraine have also evolved rapidly since September 11 and relations with Mediterranean Dialogue partners have deepened..
NATO launched the Istanbul Cooperation Initiative which contributes to widening NATO's network of partnerships. It offers countries of the broader Middle East region practical bilateral security cooperation.
 
(Next slide)
 
NATO is trying to deepen its relations with the European Union, the United Nations and the Organization for Security and Cooperation in Europe (OSCE) to improve its efforts in fighting terrorism.
NATO contributes to the work of the UN Counter-terrorism Committee and holds regular consultations with the OSCE. It is also trying to improve civil-military coordination of air traffic control by working with EUROCONTROL, the International Civil Aviation Organisation and the International Air Transport Association so that information is shared and action taken more effectively in the common fight against terrorism.
 
(Next slide)
 
Turning back to capabilities, the Programme of Work for Defence Against Terrorism is a specific  initiative to  enhance NATO capabilities to counter terrorism.
It was endorsed at the Istanbul Summit and falls under the Conference of National Armament Directors.
It aims to equip armed forces and develop technologies that are capable of detecting and disrupting terrorist acts, and provide rapid response capabilities for the protection of the military in the field, civilian populations and infrastructure.
 
(Next Slide)
 
This slide lists the specific POW DAT items. The POW DAT is coordinated by the Counter-Terrorism Technology Unit in my Directorate and I have been appointed as the Coordinator of the Program. 
I would like to present you the current status of the 10 items of the Programme so you can see the different approaches and actions NATO is taking to counter the challenge of terrorism. 
The PoW DAT is unique in that each initiative is being brought forward by individual Lead Nations so as to leverage the capacities of national governments, industry, science and research, thereby accelerating counter-measure development and fielding. 
Let me now give you an overview of the PoW DAT items.
 
(Next Slide)
 
UK leads the Item "Large Aircraft Survivability", an item focused on decreasing the vulnerability of aircrew and aircraft to MANPADs.
The slide shows you some of the results that are already achieved and the ongoing work
The goal is the protection of large-body military and civilian aircraft against man-portable air defence systems (MANPADS) .
So far, work has been conducted on aircraft self-protection solutions (flares, chaff, directed infra-red counter-measures or DIRCM), and identifying probable threat firing points around airports to improve surveillance, reaction plans etc.
On a less technical side, experts are increasing the training of pilots to respond to sudden engine loss and other emergency situations. This initiative also aims to help protect the NATO Airborne Early Warning and Control (AWACS) Fleet - an essential component of NATO's command and control capability – by providing it with DIRCM.
The UK is focusing as well on non-technical solutions to include- publishing a manual this year on ground defence of airbases.
 
Protection of helicopters from rocket-propelled grenades (RPGs) – Bulgaria (lead nation), with the support of Greece and the active participation of Poland: Protective armours are being tested to help protect crews, passengers and helicopters and trials have already taken place (Poland and Bulgaria in 2006) to test the equipment.
Both countries have done extensive testing on armour and RPG capabilities. 
This work has led to the development of promising armour prototypes. The NIAG completed a Helicopter Vulnerability study.
 
(Next Slide)
 
Countering improvised explosive devices (IEDs) – Spain (lead nation), with support from the United States: IEDs consist of commercial or military explosives, homemade explosives or military ordnance or ordnance components that can come in the form of car and road-side bombs.
They can be made at low cost, are difficult to detect and are commonly used by terrorists, which makes them a significant threat to deployed troops and civilians.
NATO is pursuing various initiatives to increase knowledge on the different types of IEDs that exist, develop technologies, procedures and doctrine to detect and neutralise them, and develop intelligence and reconnaissance techniques to detect IED emplacement and bomb making facilities.
Spain has conducted extensive testing on Laser-Induced Breakdown Spectroscopy (LIBS) stand-off detection system.
All efforts are underway to support Operations  Urgent Requirement Request (URR) for electronic counter-measures for NATO's Afghanistan Mission, ISAF, against remote-controlled IEDs and for static explosive detection and Electronic Counter-Measure systems specifically for ISAF HQ and Kabul International Airport.
A NIAG study on C-IED was completed and provides a comprehensive assessment of countering IED technologies, including identification of technology gaps and promising new technologies. Iceland has also sponsored the multi-national live demonstrations "Ex Northern Challenge" in August 2005 and 2006.
 
Explosive ordnance disposal (EOD) and consequence management – Slovakia (lead nation), with the support of Norway: This initiative aims to prevent existing stockpiles of munitions from falling into the hands of terrorists and increase NATO's ability to dispose of these stockpiles.
It is helping to improve the capabilities of EOD specialists in neutralising improvised explosive devices and will establish a common database on existing ordnance and developing new technologies for the detection and disposal of ordnance.
A NATO EOD Centre of Excellence will be established in Slovakia to maintain an EOD information management system and explosives ordnance database, and conduct a training programme on command and control of EOD and related consequence management operations.
SVK will also focus on the development of UAV detectors for area survey and EOD reconnaissance
 
(Next Slide)
 
Precision air-drop (PAD) technology for special operation forces (SOF) – United States: PAD capabilities can enable rapid delivery of personnel, equipment, weapons and logistic re-supply in challenging terrain, under any weather conditions. NATO is currently working on some that will eventually enhance the operational flexibility and reach of NATO commanders and improve force protection and sustainability of NATO forces in the field. Precision airdrop trials have already been conducted (USA in 2005; France in 2006) based on specific special operation forces scenarios.
 
Detection, protection and defeat of CBRN weapons – France (lead nation), supported by the Czech Republic: This initiative aims to prevent terrorists from using CBRN weapons and to protect deployed forces and civilians against the effects of such weapons when their use is not prevented. It aims to improve methods of consequence management, de-contamination, and stand-off detection capability of CBR agents. Sampling and Identification testing was conducted on radiological agents in Canada in fall 05.
Canada is also engaged in a 3-year project to develop a Stand-off Bio-aerosol Detection and Identification Suite
The RTO is working on two CBRN related studies: Biological Warfare Agents Detection Technologies & Laser-based Stand Off Detection of Biological agents
Field exercises are planned in 2007 as a follow up to the 2006 table top exercise.
 
(Next Slide)
 
Technology for intelligence, reconnaissance, surveillance and target acquisition of terrorists (IRSTA) – Germany lead nation: Sharing intelligence and improved methods of detection, analysis and decision making are key to limiting the advantages of anonymity and secrecy that terrorists have. NATO is devoting resources to improve the interoperability between detection, observation and response systems, technologies and platforms, as well as to enhance capabilities in these areas. It is also trying to gain a better understanding of terrorists, their organisations and activities. A field trial has already taken place in Germany (Spring 2005) and will be followed by the "Spartan Hammer", late 2006, and "Trial Quest "in 2007.
To contribute to this area, the NATO Science Committee has also initiated ground-breaking work on human and societal aspects of terrorism under its Security Through Science (STS) programme.
Defence against mortar attacks
Defence against mortar attacks (DAMA) – the Netherlands (lead nation), with the support of Germany: This initiative aims to find technological solutions to counter the threat of improvised rocket and mortar attacks and improve force protection for personnel and facilities. NATO has launched a study to determine the technological requirements and industry standards for counter-mortar equipment and systems so as to be able to detect mortar-firing positions, and react quickly and precisely by intercepting the projectiles themselves or neutralising the source of the mortar attack.
 
(Next Slide)
 
In Protecting harbours and ports from surface and subsurface threats Italy has the lead. And it is one of the key topics.
The strategic and economic importance of ports and harbours make their defence against terrorist actions (such as explosive-packed speedboats and underwater divers) vital. To this effect, different technologies are being tested: autonomous underwater vehicles for mine and improvised explosive device detection and clearance; sensors, sonar, electro-optical detectors, and sea barrier devices; and the networking of systems to detect and protect against surface and sub-surface vessels.
There have been a series of Harbour Trials, both in Rotterdam (2004) in la Spezia (2005) with extensive work with UUVs for detection and clearance work.
The last of a series of harbour trials was conducted in La Spezia last April where over 15 systems were tested, to include UUVs for mine and IED detection and clearance, and sensors, sea barrier devices and netting.   10 nations participated. 
In separate testing, static and deployable Sonar Sensor netting has been analyzed.
The NIAG completed a study on Unmanned Underwater Vehicles and UUV technologies and a complementary study on Integrated Harbour Barrier systems and examined various sensor technologies and systems.
Future Work Tests are planned for multi-sensor Intruder detection systems, and all dimensions of port protection, to further include surface and air threats, will be addressed with an eye to achieving a fully integrated system of the systems, also associating reaction to detection.Preparation for Trials in 2008 in Germany has started and will also engage  Belgium that is leading the Critical Infrastructure Protection.
 
(Next Slide)
 
Recent terrorist attacks on NATO's territory (Madrid trains and London Tube systems) have clearly demonstrated the vulnerability of nation's important infrastructure.
At the Berlin Informal Defence Ministerial meeting, September 2005, the Belgian Minister of Defence proposed that an item focusing on the protection of critical infrastructure be added to the PoW DAT. 
This proposal, "Critical Infrastructure Protection", was endorsed and launched at the Fall 05 Conference of Armaments Director, where concurrently, Belgium accepted to lead this initiative.
On 15 March 2006,  Belgium conducted its "kick-off" organizational meeting to develop the scope of this item. The initial objective is to improve the protection of fixed, critical infrastructure on the territory of the Alliance, by using NATO nations' military capability.
Scenarios could cover harbour, airports, energy supply installations (including nuclear plants, and gas terminals and pipelines) and headquarters protection.
This approach focuses on national concepts, doctrines and plans of action.  The NATO initiative will be oriented towards identifying infrastructure protection gaps and concurrently identifying how to cover these gaps with existing or nearly available technology within nations.
 
(Next Slide)
 
Although, the Belgian initiative is still maturing, it is important that nations and NATO bodies expeditiously conduct inventories of their existing technology/capabilities, and determine how they can contribute to this broad and complex initiative.  
While the protection of critical infrastructure has both civil and military implications, it is envisioned  that CIP in the DAT POW, will initially focus on military infrastructure.
Operational scenarios will be developed  to deal with detection, disruption, defence and protection of military fixed infrastructure or infrastructure under NATO responsibility, to include harbours, air fields and head quarters in operation.
The goal  is to develop portable technology which can be deployed in operations and could be a NATO capability available to nations upon request for infrastructure protection.
Along with the CIP initiative, as shown in the previous slides, other ongoing initiatives under the PoW DAT are dealing with developing preventive technological measures to counter multi-dimensional threats, (land, air and water-borne attacks), such as:  Large Aircraft Survivability, Harbour Protection, Defence Against Mortar Attack (DAMA), Countering Improvise Explosive Devices (C-IED) and CBRN Defence.
CIP has many commonalities to other items under the PoW DAT where synergies are to  be sought, by exploiting the niche capacities of nations and the unique expertise of many NATO support agencies into a single initiative. 
The CIP initiative will play an overarching platform  role across the PoW DAT items.
Coordination meetings are planned to develop common areas of cooperation to avoid duplications and enhance synergies among items in the programme and to get support from external bodies.
Meetings of NATO nations' experts and participation to  international seminars/conferences  will complement the engagement of military and civil industry. 
In this light, last 21 Sep, a conference- exposition displayed Belgium industry anti-intrusion technology available.
Belgium has, also  planned a major CIP exercise at its harbour facilities in Zeebrugge, in 2008. This exercise will incorporate counter-measure technologies for protecting the area from land, surface and air terrorist threat.
In conclusion, though the CIP initiative under the CNAD programme for DAT is moving its first steps, the focus is now clear and will bring together technology not only to meet military requirements but also that is meant to be able to support the protection of civil infrastructure.
 
(Next Slide)
 
I have attempted to summarize the NATO efforts and its initiatives to counter terrorism,  with a specific focus on the  PoW DAT programme to include protection of critical infrastructures. Thank you all very much.

 

 
 
 

52 ATA General Assembly

Athens, December 5-10. NATO's Challenges in 21st Century.  >>

Riga Summit

November 28 - 29. Think Tank representatives, Researchers and Young Political Leaders, will meet in Riga in parallel meetings and educational programs that will be addressed by the NATO Heads of State and Government.  >>

Atlantic Council of Albania

Tirana, November 18. Educational Seminar on Euro-Atlantic Values and the Cooperation for Security.

International Seminar in Milan

October 19 - 21. A three days Seminar, organized by the Catholic University and promoted by the Italian Atlantic Committee, brought together researchers, students and academicians, that analyzed NATO and the New Challenges to the Military Force and Diplomacy.