INTERNATIONAL PHYSICAL PROTECTION ADVISORY SERVICE: FUTURE INITIATIVES

The International Physical Protection Advisory (IPPAS) is fundamental in the International Atomic Energy Agency’s (IAEA) program to assist Member States in their efforts to establish and maintain effective systems for physical protection of nuclear materials and nuclear facilities. IPPAS missions review systems implemented at the national and facility level, thereby helping States identify needs for improvement as well as good practices. During program reviews of the IPPAS program, Member States have indicated their strong support of the voluntary service. Member States have expressed the view that the number of missions conducted yearly should be increased. The Member States have further stated that post mission activities would assist States resolve issues identified during a previous mission. In light of the programmatic recommendations provided by the Member States, some evolutionary changes are warranted for the structure of the IPPAS program. This paper will describe future changes to the program that are necessary to accommodate the requests of the Member States. Notably, these changes include developing and maintaining the resources needed to conduct a greater number of missions and developing a structure for conducting follow-on missions. The follow-on missions should form an essential part in reviewing substantial changes in systems of physical protection.