British Army explosive ordnance disposal personnel have taken part in a major multi-agency counterterrorism exercise in Cambridgeshire, practicing the national response to chemical, biological, radiological, nuclear and explosive threats.
According to the Army, around 600 participants from the Technical Response Force (TRF) of 29 Explosive Ordnance Disposal and Search Group, emergency services and government partners spent the exercise tackling a complex simulated incident involving hazardous material releases and improvised explosive devices.
Scenarios included locating suspect items in buildings and vehicles, rendering them safe, and carrying out forensic recovery while working inside cordoned urban areas.
Colonel Darren Fisher, Commander of 29 EOD&S Group, said the training “assured the TRF capability for the Home Office and demonstrated the close relationship between the Army, emergency services, multi-agency partners and other government departments.” He added that “the key to our success has been the development of close personal relationships at every level and multi-agency training to improve co-operation and understanding.” Fisher described the team as a “professional and diverse group of dedicated, well-trained service personnel and science partners.”
The exercise at Papworth provided an opportunity for specialised EOD units, engineers, signallers and Defence Science and Technology Laboratory personnel to refine procedures with Counter Terrorism Police, fire and ambulance services. Participants also operated in protective suits, practised decontamination processes, and deployed remotely operated vehicles.
The Ministry of Defence notes that while CBRNE-type attacks remain unlikely, they are identified in the National Risk Register as a major threat requiring dedicated capabilities. TRF teams form a key element of the UK’s domestic response, supporting emergency services to safeguard the public and acting on short notice tasking across the country.
Minister for the Armed Forces Alistair Carns said in the government statement that “our outstanding British Armed Forces bring deep expertise, demonstrating their critical role in defending the homeland. Exercises like this show how the military is integral to keeping Britain safe and secure at home.” Annual national-level exercises are run jointly by the Ministry of Defence and Home Office to maintain readiness and ensure effective coordination during emergencies.
