NBC UK
The Marketing Group of UK NBC Defence Capability
The World remains a troubled place. The events of 11 September 2001 and thereafter graphically illustrate this. Tension in Asia, the Gulf, Balkans and Middle East and unrest, terrorist and sect based activity indicate that it is extremely difficult to predict when, where and with what ferocity the next conflict or terrorist incident will arise. Events have shown that not only are classical terrorist acts still capable of causing deaths and mayhem on a major scale but also that people are capable of acquiring and using Chemical, Biological, Radiological and Nuclear (CBRN) material. Against this background and despite attempts to prevent such activity deranged individuals, sects, non-state parties and rogue and collapsing states seek to acquire or deal in CBRN material. The break-up of the former Soviet Union raises the question of the whereabouts of the many Soviet scientists researching weapons of mass destruction. The same may also be true of Iraq. Access to the internet and the activities of a number of rogue scientists fuel fears that NBC offensive expertise and technology will be passed on to groups seeking to acquire them. Recent evidence indicates their aim of possession can be all too easily achieved. Credible NBC Defensive policies and effective equipment acquisition have never been needed more urgently. Nations are awakening to the need for these for both their armed forces and civilian population. The Anthrax events and related "white powder" scares of 2001/2 and Ricin incidents in 2003 have hastened this awakening.
British NBC Defence policy built up over 60 years has ensured that UK equipment and doctrine is the best available and most widely used in the world. This expertise is now spreading to the equally difficult subject of CBRN defence in a "counter terrorist" role. Many countries have requested the help of UK Government and companies to assist in providing effective NBC and CBRN defence. NBC UK brings together the immense capability of the UK to present a coherent industrial and government supported package of UK expertise.
NBC UK was formed in 1994 to ensure complete and co-ordinated information is available about the UK NBC Defence capability and equipment availability from UK specialist suppliers and the UK Government and MoD. NBC UK acts to provide a common sense approach to dealing with the threats and worries caused by weapons of mass destruction regardless of the origin of the threat. NBC UK also acts as the co-ordinator for customers requiring a multiple range of products. NBC UK offers a simplified means of meeting customer requirements whilst still allowing the customer direct access to the manufacturer. Only companies who are approved UK NBC and CBRN product and service suppliers and meet very strict quality requirements are allowed to be members. NBC UK provides a single, co-ordinated voice representing the NBC/CBRN manufacturers in an industry that has a worldwide reputation for excellence. NBC UK’s aim is to promote these roles to the full in achieving its mission of:
“Providing Excellence in NBC Defensive Measures and Training”