Advancing CBRN Defence in a Dynamic World: Key Takeaways from the JCBRN Defence COE Annual Conference 2024

The JCBRN Defence COE successfully hosted its Annual Conference from 21–23 October 2024 in Brno, Czech Republic. Themed “Advancing CBRN Defence in a Dynamic World,” the conference served as a platform for NATO members, partner nations, international organizations, and academic institutions to discuss the future of CBRN defence amidst evolving security challenges.

The conference gathered participants from seventeen NATO member states and three partner nations, alongside representatives from NATO headquarters, the European Union, Europol, academia, and other international organizations. Chaired by the Director of the JCBRN Defence COE, Colonel David Martínek, the event featured a distinguished lineup of speaker presentations and panel discussions, fostering meaningful dialogue on the challenges and opportunities in CBRN defence. The conference also provided a unique opportunity for participants to exchange best practices, share lessons learned, and establish new avenues for cooperation.

Eirini Lemos-Maniati, Head of Arms Control, Disarmament, and WMD Non-Proliferation at NATO HQ, delivered a keynote address emphasizing the importance of strengthening collaboration on CBRN defence as a NATO priority. She highlighted the growing risks posed by Russia and terrorism, as well as industrial and natural CBRN-related threats. She stressed the necessity of scientific research and innovation in countering emerging threats while also addressing the influence of climate change and gender considerations in shaping future CBRN defence strategies. Her remarks set the stage for a series of in-depth discussions on how NATO and its partners can enhance their preparedness and response capabilities in the face of evolving challenges.

Is climate change threatening military readiness?

• Colonel Alexander Lovasz (U.S. Army CBRN School)
• Dr. Chris Olson (Dugway Proving Ground)
• Annica Waleij (Swedish Defence Research Agency)

As climate change increasingly acts as a threat multiplier, it directly affects NATO operations by increasing vulnerabilities, disrupting supply chains, and placing new demands on military readiness. During the first panel, chaired by Colonel Michael Firmin, Director of our Education, Training, and Evaluation Department, panelists underscored the need for resilience in military assets, the adaptation of training and logistics, and the modernization of protective equipment. They also highlighted the crucial role of civil-military cooperation in mitigating the risks associated with climate change. A particular focus was placed on how rising temperatures and extreme weather events could impact the effectiveness of personal protective equipment and decontamination procedures, requiring further research and adaptation.

Are Bio Threats the Next Frontier in CBRN Defence?

• Dr. Aiguo Wu (U.S. Defense Threat Reduction Agency)
• Dr. Jean Pascal Zanders  (The Trench Initiative)
• LTC RNDr. Petr Pajer  (Czech Military Health Institute)
• Dr. Silke Ruhl & LTC Dr. Olivier Quantick  (NATO’s Centre of Excellence for Military Medicine)

Emerging biological threats were another focus of the discussions. BIO Subject Matter Expert, Ms. Linda Vařeková, MSc., chaired the second panel in which panelists noted that biological threats are no longer confined to traditional biological warfare but now include genetically engineered pathogens, permafrost viruses, and even societal disruptions caused by misinformation. Experts stressed the importance of early detection systems and pre-deployment preparedness to counter these threats effectively. They also emphasized the need for closer cooperation between military and civilian health sectors to enhance biosecurity and response mechanisms. A key takeaway was the necessity of integrating biological defence measures into broader NATO planning processes to ensure that response capabilities remain robust and adaptable.

CBRN Defence in Times of Conflict: Are We Prepared?

• COL Dr. Maksym Kustov  (National University of Civil Protection of Ukraine)
• LTC Ferenc Menyhart  (European Centre of Excellence for Countering Hybrid Threats)
• Dr. Marko Svicevic  (Centre for International Humanitarian and Operational Law of Palacký University in Olomouc)
• LTC Petr Valenta  (JCBRN Defence COE)

CBRN defence in times of conflict was discussed extensively in a panel chaired by Colonel Wolfgang Reich, the Deputy Director of JCBRN Defence COE, with the ongoing war in Ukraine providing a real-world case study. Ukraine has implemented systematic CBRN measures, including evacuation strategies, population training, and resource decentralization, to mitigate risks despite limited resources and intense operational demands. The security concerns surrounding the Zaporizhzhia Nuclear Power Plant were also a key topic, given its vulnerability as the largest nuclear facility in Europe located in a conflict zone. The discussions highlighted NATO’s CBRN Reachback capabilities, which provide timely expert advice through advanced modeling and simulation, reinforcing the importance of integrated support mechanisms. Panelists also explored the growing intersection between hybrid warfare and CBRN threats, noting how disinformation and cyber vulnerabilities complicate the security landscape and necessitate stronger NATO-EU cooperation. The complexity of legal and strategic implications surrounding CBRN threats in conflict zones was also examined, with experts emphasizing the need for clearer policies and frameworks to guide NATO’s response.

Resilience Against CBRN Threats: Building Strength for Future Challenges

• Tiina Raijas (Finnish Ministry of Defence)
• COL (Ret.) Pertti Kelloniemi (RescEU CBRN Stockpiling Capacity)
• LTC Stephan Schneider (NATO HQ SACT)
• Khan Jahier (NATO HQ IS)

Building resilience against CBRN threats emerged as a crucial element of future preparedness in a panel chaired by LTC Andreas Steinert, Chief of Concepts, Doctrines, and Terminology at the JCBRN Defence COE. Experts stressed the need for a whole-of-society approach, where military, civilian agencies, and international organizations work together through joint training and shared strategies. The importance of balancing information security with effective intelligence-sharing was discussed, as excessive classification can hinder cooperation. Aligning NATO and EU resilience efforts, particularly in stockpiling and preparedness, was identified as a necessary step toward strengthening CBRN defence capabilities. Finland’s approach to national resilience was highlighted as a model for integrating military and civilian preparedness, with particular emphasis on ensuring continuity of government functions in the face of CBRN incidents.

What Next?

The 2024 JCBRN Defence COE Annual Conference underscored the importance of adapting CBRN defence strategies to a changing world. As security threats become more complex, the Centre remains committed to fostering collaboration, research, and innovation to ensure NATO and its partners are well-prepared for future challenges. By continuing to engage with key stakeholders, expand research efforts, and refine training methodologies, the JCBRN Defence COE will play a crucial role in advancing CBRN defence capabilities in the years to come. Building on the conference insights, the JCBRN Defence COE will enhance civil-military cooperation, expand partnerships with academia and other Centres of Excellence, and focus research on hybrid threats, biosecurity, and climate change, including a study on CBRN defence in the Arctic. These efforts will ensure NATO remains resilient against evolving CBRN challenges. Stay connected via our website and social media channels for updates on JCBRN Defence COE activities — including details on the 2025 Annual Conference, which will focus on Rethinking CBRN Defence, combining traditional approaches with new solutions to address emerging challenges.