From December 2 to December 12, 2024, Project 106 – Tabletops, Exercises, Simulations, and Trainings (TEST) officially began its activities with specialized sampling training, tabletop discussions, and field exercises held in Phnom Penh, Cambodia. The initiative aimed to strengthen the capacities of the Cambodian National Authority for the Prohibition of CBRN Weapons (NACW) and other key stakeholders in effectively detecting and responding to Chemical, Biological, Radiological, and Nuclear (CBRN) threats.

Hands-on trainings and exercises

The first component, held from December 2 to December 6, 2024, focused on specialized training in sampling techniques, equipping the NACW CBRN response team with the skills needed to safely handle and collect chemical agents. The second component, conducted from December 9 to December 12, 2024, comprised a Tabletop Exercise and Field Exercise, providing the team with hands-on, realistic practice in managing and sampling hazardous materials.

Both components combined theoretical sessions with practical simulations of real-life scenarios, enabling participants to apply the knowledge and techniques they had learned in a hands-on setting. This comprehensive, dual approach ensures that the NACW team is well-equipped to handle complex CBRN situations effectively.

A team of eight CBRN specialists from five different countries brought a wealth of technical and practical expertise to deliver the trainings and exercises. These sessions not only enhanced local capacities but also provided a valuable platform for professionals in the field to exchange knowledge, share lessons learned, and discuss best practices.

As John Jones, Project Team Leader, noted "The project team was delighted to be able to launch the first Project 106 mission in Cambodia and to work in partnership with Cambodia to strengthening the country’s ability to deploy its own resources for a wide range of CBRN operations while enhancing international cooperation on CBRN-related issues." This initiative underscores the growing commitment of the European Union (EU) and the Kingdom of Cambodia to addressing complex global security challenges by enhancing national preparedness and fostering international collaboration.