Second memorandum from the Ministry of
Defence
COUNTER TERRORISM
1. The attacks on the US of 11 September
2001 had a fundamental effect on the global strategic environment.
Counter terrorism became one of the highest priorities for Government
and Dstl has played a vital role in delivering science and technology
advice and solutions both to MOD and other government departments.
2. Increasingly, the defence science base
developed by Dstl is being utilised in the wider security context
and in particular for counter-terrorism and counter-insurgency.
Dstl's capabilities are being utilised by other government departments
to improve the robustness of the UK's response. In recent months,
this has been highlighted by the MOD's decision to bring together
elements of its counter-terrorist activities by setting up a dedicated
facility. Based at Porton Down, the Counter-Terrorism Science
and Technology Centre is operated by Dstl on behalf of MOD.
3. Dstl also operates the Forensic Explosive
Laboratory (FEL) which is funded by the Home Office. FEL provides
a round-the-clock forensic explosive investigation service for
the UK; this includes operational scientific support and a forensic
analysis capability. Dstl staff attend the scenes of incidents
and provide advice and scientific support to decision makers.
In 2003 Dstl provided case officers to Istanbul following the
bombing of the British Consulate and HSBC bank where they provided
crucial advice on scene interpretation and forensically significant
evidence. More recently, Dstl provided crucial support to the
Metropolitan Police in July 2005 when London's transport infrastructure
was attacked. Forensic explosives experts from Dstl deployed immediately
to the scene of the attacks and worked non-stop to retrieve and
analyse the huge volume of forensic evidence in support of the
ongoing investigation.
4. Dstl supports the UK's response to Chemical,
Biological and Radiological (CBR) terrorism; this includes maintaining
capabilities on a 24/7 basis.
5. Each year, Dstl provides forensic and
scientific support and advice to more than 300 police investigations
involving the criminal misuse of explosives, from individual criminal
cases through to terrorist incidents.
SUPPORT TO
OPERATIONS
6. Dstl is increasingly being called upon
to provide scientific support to operations. Operation TELIC saw
the largest number of scientists being deployed to support operations
since the Second World War.
7. Dstl involvement in TELIC covered all
aspects of the operation ranging from support to campaign planning,
the delivery of equipment as part of the urgent operational requirements
(UOR) process, to ongoing post-conflict support through deployed
scientists and reachback. In March 2003 Dstl provided advice on
the possible operational environments, prepared data and developed
models for any possible conflict. As the likelihood of conflict
increased more than 100 Dstl staff were trained for possible deployment
into theatre. In parallel scientific advice was provided to a
wide range of customers, including PJHQ (combat analysis, casualty
profiling), Director Joint Warfare (chemical, biological and radiological
advice), and other government departments such as the Department
for International Development and the Department of Health.
8. Dstl also contributed to a number of
UORs, these included the enhancement of the capabilities of the
in-service biological detection system to extend its range and
enable it to detect a wider range of CB materials and other projects.
Dstl support continues on the ground and through reachback. The
embedded scientific advisor (SCIAD) role has been instrumental
in ensuring that science and technology can be brought to bear
on urgent operational problems. After one operation the 4* Army
officer in command commented that the SCIAD role had almost certainly
saved lives and senior officers have expressed the desire to see
the SCIAD role normalised for all future operations.
9. The events of September 11th 2001 and
the subsequent operations in Afghanistan saw Dstl analysts permanently
deployed to PJHQ, carrying out casualty analysis, historical research,
measures of effectiveness and combat assessment. Two analysts
were then deployed to ISAF HQ in Kabul to give the deployed forces
direct access to situation assessments, non-battle casualty data
and military patrol statistics. Recently a SCIAD has been deployed
to support the NATO deployment in Afghanistan.
10. More than 100 Dstl staff have received
medals in recognition of their contribution to Operation Iraqi
Freedom. The then Vice Chief of the Defence Staff, Air Chief Marshal
Sir Anthony Bagnall paid tribute to Dstl scientists, referring
to them as the unsung heroes of military operations.
FORCE PROTECTION
11. Dstl supports MOD in all elements of
force protection particularly in relation to security (in particular
counter terrorism), fire safety, Explosive Ordinance Disposal
(EOD), Chemical Biological, Radiological and Nuclear (CBRN) materials,
medical issues, air countermeasures and fratricide prevention.
12. Dstl has made a significant contribution
to the protection of our deployed forces in both Iraq and Afghanistan.
As the threat from improvised explosive devices (IED's) and more
sophisticated weapons systems employed by insurgent groups has
evolved Dstl has played a vital role in protecting coalition troops.
Dstl has developed expedient armour that when fitted to in-service
armoured vehicles have provided enhanced protection against the
specific threats being faced in these theatres. This effort was
praised by the Director of the Royal Armoured Corps who commented
that the armour gave a strong sense of confidence to the vehicle
crews, enabling them to do their job with assurance. As well as
enhancing the armour of vehicles Dstl has been actively working
to develop a range of other countermeasures to the rapidly evolving
IED threat, particularly in Iraq.
13. Dstl has received particular praise
for the countermeasure systems on UK air platforms, all of which
have evolved in some way from Dstl research and support to the
Air Warfare Centre (AWC). In recognition of the Dstl's contribution,
the AWC wrote "the Dstl Team currently holds a world-leading
position in countermeasures development. The product of their
work is tested daily in operational theatres and has not been
found wanting. It is not being overdramatic to say that lives
and aircraft have been saved as a direct result of the work that
we have jointly undertaken and we should be justly proud of our
achievements."
PUBLIC HEALTH
14. Dstl has provided expertise in support
of a number of public health issues over the last five years.
In 2001 the outbreak of foot and mouth disease in the UK had a
significant effect on the UK livestock industry. As well as advising
on policy, Dstl staff were deployed to the Joint Co-ordination
Centre and the Disease Emergency Control Centre in London. Initially
they provided database analysis and database design then went
on to providing analysis to answer specific questions from DEFRA.
Also specific studies required the development of quick running
models to support analysis activities. A team of Dstl experts
provided round the clock support to the relevant scientific committees
and then the Army in its implementation of the policy and planning
for the clear up operation.
15. Dstl's vaccine research, particularly
for immunisation against anthrax and plague, has been widely praised,
and recognised by the award of substantial contracts by the US
National Institute of Health. Dstl has also recently developed
the first anti-toxin effective against all seven serotypes of
botulinum. Not only is this available for use by MOD but is now
being used in the NHS to treat cases of botulism that occur naturally
in the civilian population.
TECHNOLOGY
16. Over the last five years, Dstl has developed
a range of technology with applications in both military and commercial
sectors. These include:
— novel processes for the disposal
of obsolete explosive and chemical materials;
— naval electronic warfare systems;
— x-ray equipment for non-intrusive
scanning of vehicles and containers at ports;
— a system to identify bacterial infections
and their resistance to antibiotics;
— remote bomb disposal systems for
military forces;
— electric armour systems to defeat
shape charge projectiles;
— detection systems for biological
and chemical materials;
— non-lethal weapons systems for use
by police forces;
— novel multi-spectral flare systems
for aircraft protection;
— the adaptation of a drug developed
for haemophiliacs to help prevent haemorrhaging on the battlefield;
— the Remote Air Sampling for Canine
Olfaction (RASCO) system for the rapid screening of air cargo
for explosives; and
— an integrated gene probe detection
system for the rapid detection of biological warfare agents.
FUTURE MOD CAPABILITY
17. The 2004 Defence Review highlighted
a need for flexible and adaptable armed forces properly supported
to carry out the most likely expeditionary operations. It identified
new force structures and new capabilities, such as Network Enabled
Capability (NEC) and the Effects Based Approach, as key routes
to achieving this. Through research and operational analysis,
Dstl has been working closely with customers in Central MOD, the
MOD acquisition community and the front-line to identify and refine
the options. Our work on NEC and the Future Force Structure Study
are typical.
18. Network Enabled Capability (NEC)
is one of MOD's highest priorities for future investment. Dstl
is leading a joint research programme with industry aimed at transforming
NEC from a concept to the delivery of a network-enabled force
that can achieve desired effects through a smaller number of more
capable assets. Dstl has contributed in a number of different
areas. For example, Dstl has exploited its corporate memory to
identify and collate quantitative evidence of the benefits and
risks of NEC. Evidence suggests that NEC can deliver force multiplier
effects, but only if a coherent approach is taken across all of
the defence lines of development. Dstl is helping to translate
these NEC benefits into real and practical interventions. One
way it is doing this is through working with the equipment capability
areas in MOD to identify specific opportunities for improved military
effectiveness through networking. Dstl is also contributing in
identifying and developing the process and culture changes needed
to deliver NEC. This includes working with the Defence Procurement
Agency to develop a behavioural model that can be used by the
acquisition community to measure its maturity in adopting NEC.
19. The Future Force Structure Study
(F2S2) explored the force structures that will better meet
the UK's defence needs in the 2025 timeframe in a changing security
environment. It looked at a broad portfolio of scenarios illustrative
of the military tasks that the UK may need to undertake as part
of our foreign and security policy, and used these to measure
the ability of different future force structures to meet policy
aims, in either single or concurrent operations.
20. The analysis explored demands placed
on the force structure including the requirements of force readiness,
roulement and permanently committed forces. It tested alternative
views of future circumstances and priorities and exploited new
operational or system concepts. All deployable UK forces from
the three services were considered, and the requirements for non-deployable
force elements taken into account. The relationship between deployed
force size and total fleet size, which is different for different
force elements, was informed by more detailed Dstl studies. Other
specialist teams in Dstl provided information on the cost and
manning implications of each structure.
21. The F2S2 analysis contributed to Defence
Strategic Guidance, to the Equipment Plan and was explicitly cited
in the 2004 White Paper.
SUPPORT TO
ACQUISITION
22. One of Dstl's major roles is to provide
advice to support major equipment acquisition programmes and decisions.
Dstl contributes at all stages of MOD's smart acquisition cycle:
from analysing the shortfalls in military capability, identifying
and developing the concepts needed to make these good, through
to supporting the selection of equipment suppliers, and beyond,
once equipment has entered service. Dstl makes a real difference
to decision-making by delivering integrated advice based on systems
understanding, operational analysis and our ready access to a
wide range of technical and scientific expertise and knowledge,
both within Dstl and across Industry.
23. Since its formation, Dstl has contributed
to most major acquisition programmes for all three services and
in all areas of military capability. The Future Rapid Effects
System and Joint Combat Aircraft are typical and two of the most
significant Dstl has supported.
24. Future Rapid Effects System (FRES):
The Strategic Defence Review and subsequent defence white
papers have articulated the new strategic context and the need
for a UK medium weight armoured capability to project power rapidly
world-wide in support of national and alliance interests. FRES
will form a key part of this capability.
25. FRES is a programme that will deliver
a network-enabled fleet of medium-weight armoured fighting vehicles.
These are key to the British Army's plans to develop battle-winning,
rapid reaction capabilities and replace the ageing manoeuvre support
capability currently provided by several armoured vehicle types.
26. Dstl has supported the initial assessment
of the capability, the objectives of which included defining the
optimum FRES capability; its boundary and its constituent elements,
in terms of performance, time and cost; recommending an optimised
FRES acquisition strategy; and identifying and mitigating the
risks associated with achieving the required FRES capability.
Dstl is part of an integrated FRES team comprising
the Central MOD customer, the Integrated Project Team, and Atkins,
the Systems House appointed to support the 24 month Initial Assessment
Phase. Dstl has brought to this team key technologies and a wealth
of expertise developed through years of related science and technology
programmes.
27. Dstl's contribution to this programme
relied on the close working of technologists, systems engineers,
analysts and military staff in integrated teams under the management
of a single point of contact in Dstl able at short notice to draw
on the knowledge and expertise of engineers, scientists and analysts
throughout all Departments of Dstl. This "inter-working"
approach was fundamental to the delivery of a co-ordinated programme
of support and the efficient exchange of information between government
and industry.
28. Joint Combat Aircraft: The Joint
Combat Aircraft (JCA) programme will provide the UK with a supersonic
carrier-capable strike fighter to replace the Joint Force Harrier.
The US Joint Strike Fighter (JSF) has been selected to fill the
JCA requirement, providing a key part of the UK's Future Combat
Air and Carrier Strike capabilities alongside other systems such
as Typhoon and the Future Aircraft Carrier.
29. Dstl has provided comprehensive support
to the programme. Dstl experts analysed the policy implications
of the future capability, assessed the level of technical risk
in the programme and developed simulation software and facilities
to explore operational concepts and tactics for JSF. These facilities
have proved invaluable in assessing the complex interaction of
technical issues associated with this state-of-the art, revolutionary
aircraft.
30. Dstl's support to the programme also
covered other issues such as the pilot-vehicle interface, identification
and mitigation of design aspects that could disrupt the smooth
introduction to service of JCA and examining through-life cost
logistical issues.
31. Dstl's independent advice has been critical
to the MOD Investment Approvals Board's understanding of the level
of risk remaining and the organisation is continuing to help the
Integrated Project Team to monitor and reduce risks in the programme
in the run up to key decision points.
COLLABORATION
32. Dstl has an extensive network of worldwide
contacts in the military, academia and industry that it uses to
ensure that MOD is aware of, and has access to, the very latest
developments in science and technology. This adds considerable
value to MOD research programmes and is particularly productive
with respect to our links to the USA. Some of the many examples
of Dstl's collaboration are described below.
33. Dstl has a network of links with other
Government laboratories; this is demonstrated by the Inter Lab
Forum, a partnership of the six Public Sector Research Laboratories.
The Forum is seen as a way of ensuring that Government scientists
can work together better across a range of work, but particularly
in responding to emergencies. Dstl is the largest of the group
of labs, which includes Defra's Central Science Laboratory, The
Centre for Environment, Fisheries and Aquaculture Science, the
Health and Safety Laboratory, The Health Protection Agency and
the Veterinary Laboratories Agency. In the event of a crisis at
one laboratory where facilities, equipment or staff are incapacitated,
the other Forum members have agreed to endeavour to provide assistance.
Although each is distinctive in its remit, there is expected to
be considerable scope for mutual support in areas of strategic
and operational importance, like disease control, detection and
decontamination of hazardous materials and animal health research
facilities.
34. Co-operative Research Centres (CRCs)
in UK Universities, facilitate the exchange of staff and pooling
of resources between Dstl and its academic partners. Whilst the
work must be of importance to MOD, CRCs have the complementary
aim of keeping skills fresh and promoting networking. Participation
of Dstl staff in CRCs helps to ensure that knowledge is kept current
and aids training and development. Working alongside external
researchers provides benchmarking of our abilities, ensuring that
we stay at the forefront of excellence. CRCs also provide Dstl
and MOD with access to specialist university facilities, university
research and cutting-edge expertise. To date, CRCs have been set
up in partnership with The University of Cambridge, Imperial College,
University of Oxford, Cranfield University and the University
of Southampton.
35. Dstl has played a leading role in establishing
an international network to assist with the scientific investigation
of terrorism. An example of this was the establishment of the
FINEX network in partnership with the Netherlands Forensic Institute,
which provides support to the International Criminal Court. This
involves scientists from over thirty countries engaged in the
investigation of terrorist bombings, from the crime scene to the
court room and promotes effective collaboration in the investigation
of incidents such as the Madrid train bombings.
36. The Coalition Warrior Interoperability
Demonstration (CWID) which takes place annually, hosted by Dstl,
is an excellent example of our collaboration with military scientists
and allied armed forces. CWID is designed to demonstrate emerging
technologies for Command, Control, Communications and Computers
(C4) and Intelligence, Surveillance, Target Acquisition and Reconnaissance
(ISTAR) systems and improve interoperability between coalition
nations. Participants have included Australia, Canada, New Zealand,
the USA and South Korea. CWID has repeatedly proven the benefits
of live military multinational interoperability exercises and
has generated significant financial savings for MOD. In 2005,
Dstl was awarded a Smart Procurement Award from the Minister for
Defence Procurement for its outstanding contribution to CWID.
29 September 2006
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