Yerevan Hosts Workshop on Nuclear Security Threat Assessment and Management
Yerevan, July 24 – A significant workshop focused on “Nuclear Security Threat Assessment and Management of Design Basis Threats” took place in Yerevan yesterday, July 23, 2026. This crucial event was jointly organized by the Armenian Nuclear Regulatory Committee and the Sandia National Laboratories, part of the U.S. Department of Energy’s National Nuclear Security Administration, with technical support from the Nuclear and Radiation Safety Center.
The workshop convened a diverse group of participants, including experts from the United States, alongside representatives from key Armenian institutions. These included the Armenian Nuclear Regulatory Authority, the Armenian Nuclear Power Plant, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, the Foreign Intelligence Service, the National Security Service, the Ministry of Internal Affairs, and the State Revenue Committee.
The primary objective of the gathering was to bolster Armenia’s capabilities in assessing nuclear security threats and developing physical protection systems based on design basis threat assessments. This initiative is vital for ensuring the safety and security of the Armenian Nuclear Power Plant.
Key Discussions and Challenges Addressed
Participants engaged in discussions concerning contemporary challenges in protecting nuclear power plants from radiological sabotage. The workshop also delved into relevant guidelines from the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) and explored methods for evaluating the effectiveness of physical protection systems.
The main topics addressed during the workshop included:
- Threat Assessment: Evaluating the motives, intentions, and capabilities of potential external or internal/insider adversaries.
- New Risks: Combating cyber threats, other unforeseen dangers, and the use of unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs) by potential adversaries.
- Scenario-Based Exercises: Developing attack scenarios using the “Lone Pine” nuclear power plant model, conducting tabletop exercises, and planning force-on-force exercises to assess the performance of physical protection systems.
The event underscored the critical importance of close cooperation between competent state authorities and nuclear facility operating organizations. This collaboration is essential for strengthening nuclear security, mitigating the risks of nuclear terrorism, and ensuring the safe and peaceful use of nuclear energy.
The workshop further reaffirmed the ongoing collaboration between Armenia and the United States in the field of nuclear security, aligning with international standards and IAEA guidelines.
