The Role of Advanced Detection, Assessment and Neutralization Systems in the Protection of Nuclear Weapons and Material

Over the past 15 years NSSC has conducted over 2,000 Force-on-Force exercises within the nuclear industry. An analysis of Force-on-Force losses identified a number of vulnerabilities that if exploited lowered the probability of a site win to an unacceptable level. Vulnerabilities as follows: • The distance from the point of detection to the target was inadequate. This lowered the probability of interdiction (PI) and neutralization (PN). • The use of radio jamming further lowered the PI and PN by disrupting/delaying communications to responders. • The probability of responder survival was dramatically lowered through the use of specific weapon systems (both sniper and standoff weapons), when deployed from areas outside of the protected area (PA) • The adversary’s use of diversionary tactics and split entries was very effective, specifically against sites with no camera coverage outside of the PA. As a result of this analysis NSSC developed its Advanced Detection, Assessment, and Neutralization System (ADANS). ADANS provides an automated video patrolling platform to provide early detection of hostile threats beyond the protected area. Once a threat is detected and assessed the system’s neutralization platform can be deployed. This platform can support both lethal and less than lethal weapon systems, and is capable of neutralizing threats at distances of 300 meters and greater. The automated video patrolling portion of the system is currently deployed at 15 commercial nuclear power plants. Testing by the NRC’s Force-on-Force (FOF) team has confirmed the value of early detection. No site using the automated video patrolling system has lost a single drill since the program’s inception. It should be noted that Design Basis Threat weapons differ between DOE and NRC facilities. NSSC’s analysis of these differences has determined that if more sophisticated weapons are used against any nuclear site (DOE or NRC), the adversary’s ability to neutralize response force fighting positions will lower the sites probability of neutralization (dead men can’t fight). Neutralization of hostile threats prior to entering the protected area is an essential requirement for any effective defensive strategy. NSSC’s testing has shown that ADANS will raise the probability of early detection, assessment, and neutralization, while reducing manpower costs.