Yerevan Hosts Workshop on Nuclear Security Threat Assessment and Management
Yerevan, August 2 – A workshop titled “Nuclear Security Threat Assessment and Design Basis Threat Management” was recently conducted in Yerevan. The event, held with the technical support of the Nuclear and Radiation Safety Center, was organized by the Armenian Nuclear Safety Regulatory Committee and the Sandia National Laboratories, operating under the U.S. Department of Energy’s National Nuclear Security Administration.
Strengthening Armenia’s Nuclear Security Capabilities
The workshop brought together experts from the United States, as well as representatives from Armenia’s nuclear regulatory body, 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 event was to enhance Armenia’s capacity to assess nuclear security threats and develop physical protection systems based on design basis threat assessments, thereby ensuring the safety and security of the Armenian Nuclear Power Plant.
Addressing Modern Challenges in Nuclear Protection
Participants engaged in discussions on contemporary challenges in safeguarding nuclear power plants from radiological sabotage. They also reviewed relevant guidelines from the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) and explored methodologies for evaluating the effectiveness of physical protection systems.
Key Discussion Topics
The main topics addressed during the workshop included:
- Threat Assessment: Evaluating the motivations, intentions, and capabilities of potential external or internal/insider adversaries.
- Emerging Risks: Combating cyber threats, other unforeseen hazards, and the use of unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs) by potential adversaries.
- Scenario-Based Drills: 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 operating organizations of nuclear facilities to bolster nuclear security, mitigate the risks of nuclear terrorism, and ensure the safe and peaceful use of nuclear energy.
Continued US-Armenia Collaboration
The workshop also reaffirmed the ongoing collaboration between Armenia and the United States in the field of nuclear security, aligning with international standards and IAEA guidelines.
Source: https://verelq.am/hy/node/175730
