Army bomb experts in Northern Ireland receive new robot
Army bomb disposal experts in Northern Ireland have received a new state-of-the-art robot.
The latest T7 Remote Controlled Vehicle (RCV) reportedly allows the operator to “feel” the suspicious object as they investigate, and is also fitted with high-definition camera equipment.
It is set to become the main RCV for Explosive Ordnance Disposal and Search (EOD&S) Regiment units across the UK.
321 EOD&S Sqn putting their new #STARTER RCV through its paces on Ex FELIX STARTER in NI. Over the coming months, STARTER will become the main #RCV for all of the Regt’s #EOD Sqns across the UK. 💣💥👍🏻 @BritishArmy@InnovationArmy#ArmyBombDisposal#RobotsSaveLives#FetchFelixpic.twitter.com/WfyvmNPFrI
— 11 EOD & Search Regiment (@11_EOD_Regiment) February 28, 2020
The regiment recently tweeted photographs of the new robot in action at a military base in Ballykinler, Co Down – and it is expected to be brought into regular service across Northern Ireland in the coming weeks.
The 321 EOD & Search Squadron is based in Northern Ireland and receives requests for assistance from the Police Service of Northern Ireland (PSNI) when a suspicious object is reported.
According to PSNI statistics, there were 20 bombing incidents in the region between March 1 2019 and February 29 2020.
The PSNI’s Security Situation Statistics covering the 12 month period 1 March 2019 to 29 February 2020 have been published today. The publication is available on the PSNI website at https://t.co/pQsNCLgzSopic.twitter.com/DjlXNEj72s
— NISRA (@NISRA) March 6, 2020
This was a rise from 14 in the previous year.
However, the army’s bomb disposal team is tasked to dozens more potential incidents across Northern Ireland – which range from hoaxes to the finding and dismantling of viable devices.
PSNI statistics show the finding of 0.8kg of explosives over the last 12 months. This figures excludes historic explosives, such as World War Two bombs.
Last month, a bomb was found attached to a lorry in County Armagh which is believed to have been intended for a Brexit day attack by dissident republicans.