On 13th and 14th October 2021, NATO EOD Demonstrations and Trials 2021 was held in Bratislava, INCHEBA Expo area. 

This biennial event designated to the experts from NATO and partner armed forces and defence industry highlighted the latest EOD technology achievements through live demonstrations, static exhibitions, seminar and conferences. The EOD Centre of Excellence organizes the series of NATO EOD Demonstrations and Trials with support of the Ministry of Defence of the Slovak Republic. It is funded by the NATO Defence Against Terrorism Programme of Work (DAT POW) established under the auspices of the NATO Emerging Security Challenges Division.

The leading theme of this year event was “Technological innovations influencing future EOD and related capabilities” as a challenge for NATO and Partners Subject Matter Experts (SMEs) coming from various EOD and related domains, academia, industry and other organizations involved in the fight against terrorism.
 
The event was inaugurated by SVK Minister of Defence Mr Jaroslav NAĎ, Deputy CHOD Lieutenant General Ľubomír SVOBODA and Chairman of NATO EOD Working Group Colonel Paul M. ILLINGWORTH.

The SVK Minister of Defence stressed, that Slovakia has been the Lead Nation for EOD and it is a respected partner to NATO Alliance since 2004. He emphasized that the SVK MOD has continuous interest in new technologies development as well as to support procedures improvements in fight against explosive threats.  

Already the 6th iteration of Demonstrations and Trials was reinforced with a commemoration of 10th anniversary of NATO EOD COE endorsement by North Atlantic Council in 2021. Due to the significance and importance of this year in COE history, the most distinguished guests and 36 experienced speakers were invited to support the happening. 

During the event, over 270 visitors from 32 countries had opportunity to see equipment and technologies related to EOD, which were presented by 36 exhibitors from 17 countries.

The NATO EOD Demonstrations and Trials series has proved to be a successful and irreplaceable event being sought by SMEs, academia and industry for its excellent opportunity to build new connections, exchange information on  technical solutions and to find common interests in a way ahead.

Based on immediate feedbacks from the visitors and exhibitors, we can proudly announce that goals of the event were achieved and we are already looking forward to continue with the next iteration in 2023 for the benefit of EOD and related capabilities Community of Interest.