Improvised explosive devices hidden in drifting boats, on port pirs, by roads, in buildings – specified challenges were faced by participants of the "Northern Challenge '25". Nearly 400 EOD (Explosive Ordnance Disposal) specialists from 18 countries took part in the exercises in Iceland.
Northern Challenge exercises in Iceland, photo. GNM
Other specified exercises are vain to search not only in EuropeBut most likely all over the world. all year hundreds of bomb squads and miners come to Iceland to disarm improvised explosive devices for respective days. And not just any. The devices are built specifically for a given edition of the "Northern Challenge", while designers draw from the authentic experiences of EOD specialists. Each ajdik shall be fitted with a buzzer or a spark head. erstwhile disarmers make a mistake, smoke, flash, it makes a piercing sound. It's a substitute for an explosion. Not much, soldiers can usage explosives to neutralize their findings. And that's not always average during exercise.
This year's edition "Northern Challenge" She attracted nearly 400 EOD specialists from 18 countries to Iceland. Among them were NATO representatives, although soldiers from Ireland, Austria and fresh Zealand besides practiced alongside them. Poles have traditionally come to Iceland. – On site we had 2 teams composed of miners divers from 12 and 13 trawlers division 8 Coast Defence Fleets – informs Lt. Mar. Patrick Zając, who commanded the Polish group. Training participants were gathered in Keflavik base, from where they left each day to execute two-three tasks. any teams operated at sea, any on land, any yet – in both of these places. This was the case for Polish sailors. Episode scripts as usual proved to be varied and complex.
Northern Challenge exercises in Iceland, photo. GNM
One of them assumed, for example, that a remote-controlled boat full of explosives had entered the port. Diversts intended to hit 1 of the mooring ships or coastal infrastructure. However, at any point the operator lost control of the unit. “The boat fell into a drift, and EOD squad members had to scope her in a short time, conduct a reconnaissance, master her, then neutralize the threat. All of this required not only fast decisions, but besides quite a few caution – emphasises Mar. Hare. In another episode, charges were put on a port prix. They were expected to detonate erstwhile the ship passed. Another 1 assumed the cooperation of the bomb squad with a division that was tasked with removing the weapons warehouse. On the road to the building, the diversionists installed Aydika which had to be removed. Examples could be multiplied. – squad members had to prove that they were able to act under time force and at the same time think outside the box. At the same time they were to show that they were able to safe the area in which they operate in the right way, but besides to gather evidence – the Polish officer said. The second aspect was peculiarly important. Neutralisation of an improvised explosive device had to be carried out in specified a way as to harm the mechanics as small as possible and then take its residues, describe them and deliver them to the laboratory," he adds. All this was crucial for 2 reasons. First of all, specified remains are usually crucial material in an investigation to lead to the detection of diversions. Secondly, their analysis allows to deepen cognition about its construction and the principles of its operation. It was in practice, too. The more cognition we gained about the device, the easier the task was the team, which faced this kind of construction on the next day – noted cf. mar. Hare.
Northern Challenge exercises in Iceland, photo. GNM
However, the innovations introduced by the organizers do not end with the construction of Aydikas and the ways in which they are planted. “This year, quite a few emphasis has been placed on the usage of drones,” the officer emphasizes. Unmanned aircraft operators tried to disrupt EOD teams, and these had to respond accordingly. On the signal of the approaching drone, soldiers interrupted work and tried to hide in a safe place. any of the tasks were besides to disarm an unmanned man lying on the ground or... drifting at sea. For 2 weeks anyway.
– The “Northern Challenge” is an excellent organization, a advanced degree of realism and ingenuity of organizers. It is simply a large chance to exchange experiences, but besides to rise your own skills – cf. mar. Hare. During my training, I acted as a alleged peacekeeper. In another words, I supervised the work of the designated teams. I had the chance to observe how much evolution had passed any of them, how much they had learned, and only in a fewer days," he adds. He's not isolated in his opinion. – It is hard to imagine EOD training on a higher level – provided Lieutenant Chris Bianchi, specialist in improvised explosive devices in the US Navy, as quoted by the U.S. Department of War website. – Exercises specified as this strengthen our ability to deter aggressors, respond decisively to threats and defend common interests with allys," he points out.
The “Northern Challenge” is organised by the Icelandic Coast Guard. Exercises have been conducted since 2004.
