“This agreement represents our shared commitment to keeping dangerous nuclear materials out of the hands of terrorists, smugglers and proliferators,” said Anne Harrington, Deputy Administrator for Defense Nuclear Nonproliferation
– Edited By Chris Reed –
The National Nuclear Security Administration (NNSA) announced that it has signed a memorandum of understanding with Hungary to equip and train Hungarian national security officers with mobile radiation detectors. The agreement paves the way for NNSA’s Second Line of Defense (SLD) program to work with the Hungarian Special Service for National Security to enhance international efforts to deter, detect and interdict illicit smuggling of nuclear and other radioactive materials.
“This agreement represents our shared commitment to keeping dangerous nuclear materials out of the hands of terrorists, smugglers and proliferators,” said Anne Harrington, Deputy Administrator for Defense Nuclear Nonproliferation. “This partnership with Hungary is a major step toward providing mobile radiation detection technology and implementing President Obama’s nuclear security agenda. We look forward to working with our Hungarian partners to enhance safety and security across Central Europe and here in the United States.”
In addition to providing mobile radiation detection equipment, NNSA will train Hungarian officials in Hungary and fund the initial maintenance of this equipment.
NNSA’s Second Line of Defense program works collaboratively with foreign governments at land border crossings, airports and seaports to install specialized radiation detection equipment, mobile radiation detection equipment, and associated communications equipment. Through its SLD program, NNSA also provides training to host government law enforcement officers and other personnel to detect smuggled nuclear and other radioactive materials. NNSA has provided similar equipment to five other Central and Southeastern European countries.