While most eyes were on what would be said between the world leaders – a lesser known ‘unsung hero’ was keeping those attending safe.

Sedgefield-based Kromek Group plc’s nuclear-detection devices were deployed at the NATO summit – allowing an extra barrier of protection amid a continuation of conflict in Ukraine.

Part of the security infrastructure delivered to protect the allies included D3S-ID radiation detectors, manufactured by engineers at the County Durham technology company.

D3S-IDs are wearable nuclear radiation detectors, designed to enable first responders, armed forces, border security and other chemical, biological, radiological and nuclear (CBRN) experts to detect threats.

It is one of the fastest and most accurate isotope identification devices on the market and is also a fraction of the size and cost of similar products, according to Kromek.

It is designed to detect radiological threats like dirty bombs, radioactive contamination, smuggling of radioactive substances and radiation at the scene of an accident or terrorist attack.

Dr Arnab Basu, CEO of Kromek, said: “In light of the reports of turmoil at the Chernobyl site and in the battle over Zaporizhzhia nuclear plant, the global community is alive to immediate nuclear dangers. These emerge both from damaged infrastructure and the growing threat of dirty bombs being manufactured using radioactive waste.

“Consequently, governments and their agencies are increasingly expected to enhance their wide area monitoring to be able to provide early warning of the presence of nuclear material.

News source: The Northern Echo.