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DSTL 01a
Memorandum from the Ministry of Defence
Counter terrorism
1. The attacks on the US of 11th 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 7 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 · 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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