Cooperation across borders and organizations is essential for preventing illicit trafficking of nuclear and other radioactive material, according to discussions at a recent international frontline officers meeting in Egypt.
The International Network of Front Line Officers and Organizations for Nuclear Security Detection (FLO Network) meeting was attended by representatives from 46 countries and key international organizations - including INTERPOL, the World Customs Organization, and the United Nations Office on Drugs and Crime. This was the first meeting of the network that was hosted outside the IAEA headquarters - marking a shift toward regional engagement.
"The emphasis of the FLO network meeting on unifying global efforts for nuclear security by empowering frontline officers highlighted the critical role of international cooperation in combating complex nuclear security threats," said Itimad Soufi, Head of the Nuclear Security of Materials Outside of Regulatory Control Section in the IAEA' s Division of Nuclear Security, adding that it "brought together diverse expertise and viewpoints that help us collectively address today's nuclear security challenges."
Key achievements within the FLO network were covered, such as the expansion of regional working groups and enhanced collaboration mechanisms.
"The FLO network is a valuable platform promoting networking among frontline officers, as well as joint efforts for regional and global nuclear security," said David Makharadze, Chair of the meeting and former Colonel of the State Security Service of Georgia. "Law enforcement, border security, customs professionals and many others come together under the FLO network umbrella with the aim to establish a common approach on how to deter and mitigate threats from the illicit trafficking of nuclear and other radioactive material."
By collaborating with other IAEA networks, such as the International Nuclear Security Education Network (INSEN) and the International Network for Nuclear Security Training and Support Centres (NSSC Network), the FLO network is building a comprehensive approach to nuclear security that includes training, education and detection support.
The meeting agenda included a dedicated session about the Incident and Trafficking Database (ITDB), the IAEA' s information system on incidents of illicit trafficking and other unauthorized activities and events involving nuclear and other radioactive material outside of regulatory control. The ITDB contains authoritative information, voluntarily reported by participating States through their officially nominated Points of Contact.
For FLOs, who are often the first responders in case of nuclear security incidents, the ITDB provides a valuable, reliable platform facilitating the timely exchange of authoritative information about illicit trafficking and other related unauthorized activities involving nuclear and other radioactive material.
Since its inception, the FLO network has prioritized collaboration and sharing of good practices in radiation detection efforts. This year, hands-on technology demonstrations featuring tools like the Tool for Radiation Alarm and Commodity Evaluation (TRACE), the Mobile Integrated Nuclear Security Network (M-INSN), and the recently released Personnel Alarm Assessment Tool (PAAT) allowed participants to explore advancements in nuclear security tools. These technologies support real time decision making and are designed to contribute to more resilient and effective nuclear security measures.
However, the growing reliance on digital systems brings new challenges, particularly in addressing cyber-attacks on nuclear security infrastructures. Throughout the meeting, experts discussed how adversaries can exploit vulnerabilities, underscoring the urgency for robust, multi-layered security defences. These sessions reinforced the message that in nuclear security, as threats evolve, so must the defences.
A survey conducted in 2024 to evaluate the outcomes, impact and future needs of the FLO network revealed that 71 per cent out of the 127 respondents from 67 countries reported significant growth in nuclear security detection knowledge and skills through the network, while 63 per cent indicated that the network had substantially contributed to the development of detection strategies in their countries or organizations. Additionally, about 75 per cent stated they had implemented good practices or knowledge gained from their participation in the network, highlighting its impact on enhancing global nuclear security detection capabilities.
Overall, the event underscored the importance of FLOs' efforts to be better prepared to detect and respond to threats, and contribute to a sustainable global nuclear security framework in the face of emerging threats.
