The United States is set to provide the United Arab Emirates with detection technology to catch nuclear or radioactive materials being smuggled through the Middle Eastern federation, the U.S. National Nuclear Security Administration announced today (see GSN, Aug. 3).
The partnership, formalized last week, is being conducted through the U.S. nuclear agency's Megaports Initiative. (see GSN, Dec. 14). Ports at Abu Dhabi and Sharjah are set tor receive detection sensors, related infrastructure and training for personnel on using the equipment according to an NNSA press release.
"This agreement represents a major step forward in the Department of Energy's efforts to fulfill President [Barack] Obama's unwavering commitment to securing vulnerable nuclear material and keeping it out of the hands of terrorists and smugglers," said U.S. Deputy Energy Secretary Daniel Poneman in a released statement. "The UAE plays a critical role in the region's maritime shipping and the United States appreciates its partnership in this important mission."
The initiative is a component of the NNSA Second Line of Defense Program, which provides foreign nations with radiation monitoring equipment for airports, seaports and border checkpoints. The program is in place at more than 230 locations at 28 "Megaports" across the planet (U.S. National Nuclear Security Administration release, Dec. 16).