Detection Technologies
Abstract
The United States has long recognized the challenges associated with a state actor losing custody of a nuclear weapon or of a violent extremist organization gaining control of such a device. The Defense Threat Reduction Agency’s research and development mitigates these challenges by enabling Countering Weapons of Mass Destruction efforts through advancing radiation detection capabilities. There are physical limits to the efficacy of traditional radiation detection, and the successful recovery or interdiction of a weapon may depend on detection capabilities that apply much earlier in the nuclear threat chain continuum. The nuclear threat chain continuum can be defined as the entire spectrum of activities that might lead to the state loss or violent extremist organization acquisition of a nuclear weapon. Beginning FY 2016, Project RD will conduct research, development, test, & evaluation (RDT&E) to 1) advance detection—both sensor technology and related methodologies—for signatures/indicators associated with nuclear threat enablers such as nuclear expertise, financing, or unique materials in order to advance U.S. Government capabilities to detect and interdict such threats; and 2) locate, identify, and track Special Nuclear Material by integrating new technologies into detection systems and delivering prototypes for evaluation and further procurement by Services/Special Mission Units. These efforts support Department of Defense (DoD) requirements for combating terrorism, counter/nonproliferation, and homeland defense. The increase from FY 2015 to FY 2016 is due to the subdivision of Project RF-Detection and Forensics Technologies into projects RD-Detection Technologies and RF-Forensics Technologies beginning in FY 2016.
Document Details
- Document Type
- Project
- Publication Date
- Oct 01, 2016
- Source ID
- RD_0603160BR_3_0400_PB_2016
Related Documents
- Root: Counterproliferation Initiatives - Proliferation, Prevention and Defeat
- Child Accomplishment: RD: Detection Technologies