UK Forces Advise Rio 2016 Organisers on Missile Defence

June 11, 2013 - PRLog -- The UK MoD has begun to offer advice to organisers of the Rio 2016 Olympics based on its successful strategic deployment of ground based air defence (GBAD) systems in London last year.

GBAD commander Colonel Jon Campbell addressed the British approach to establishing MBDA Rapier systems and Thales STARStreak systems within the capital in an interview with Defence IQ, ahead of meeting Brazilian missile and artillery commanders in Brasilia this August 13-15 at the Integrated Air & Missile Defence Brazil 2013 (http://www.airmissiledefencebrazil.com/) conference.

“Apart from the urban environment, dealing with media, legal issues and so forth, it’s important to recognise that the air security aspect is not a stand-alone element of security – it’s part of a comprehensive approach,” said Campbell in a 30 minute overview of concerns and challenges faced by his own personnel last summer [listen to the audio podcast here].

The deployment of the missile systems generated much debate in the national media, despite GBAD having already been employed in both the Beijing and Athens Games, largely in response to the escalated threat of global terrorism.

Citing the need to respect local bylaws, the need to keep airports and other transport hubs open, and the physical parameters of the missile systems themselves, such as response time and warning capabilities, Campbell offered the first open engagement with Brazilian security forces, who will be seeking lessons and insight into how best to protect the Rio Games and the huge amount of world leaders gathering at this world stage event.

Also attending the conference will be senior officers from Poland, India, Germany, Uruguay and Norway, and commercial decision-makers from sponsoring companies including Rheinmetall, Avibras, Thales, Kongsberg and Diehl Defence.

Reservations and sponsorship opportunities are now available.

Website: www.AirMissileDefenceBrazil.com

Email: enquire@defenceiq.com

Tel: +44 (0) 207 368 9737