Finnish nuclear security detection architecture for nuclear and other radioactive material out of regulatory control

Abstract

The Finnish national CBRNE (Chemical, Biological, Radiological, Nuclear, Explosives) strategy was published in December 2017. The aim of the strategy is to continuously improve the prevention of and preparedness for CBRNE threats and incidents to safeguard society and secure the functions vital to society. The CBRNE strategy launched the revision process of the national Nuclear Security Detection Architecture (NSDA) document, which was published in 2013. The updated NSDA aims to enforce the CBRNE strategy in terms of RN (Radiological and Nuclear) detection, including the identified research and development topics.

The revised NSDA also provides a public summary concerning the national RN detection principles. The NSDA is expected to save resources and increase authority effectiveness in countering RN criminality and terrorism. Even though the CBRNE strategy and the NSDA derived from it are primarily concentrating on crime prevention, the development of crime-scene investigation and nuclear forensics techniques and processes are also included in them.

A national coordinating CBRNE committee and expert group were established in 2019. Both the CBRNE committee (31 August 2021) and the expert group (7 December 2020) have reviewed and approved the NSDA.