A specialized tender for the procurement of specialized equipment for the Explosive Ordnance Disposal unit of the Special Police Forces Directorate has been underway for several hours. The tender concerns the procurement of a special remote-controlled vehicle, the so-called “robots” that examine suspicious objects and destroy improvised explosive devices, as well as two portable frequency jammers, known as “jammers“. The renewal of the special robot fleet was necessary, as the last procurement had taken place several years ago, while the procurement of jammers was necessary to ensure the success of police operations by “blacking out” mobile phone signals, wifi and all types of frequencies. The total procurement cost for the three systems will reach 1.3 million euros, according to tender data. The cost of the two portable jammers will reach 800,000 euros, while the special remote-controlled vehicle will cost up to 500,000 euros.
The capabilities of jammers
According to the technical specifications set for the two jammers, they must interfere with all known frequency spectrum areas 20 MHz to 2.5 GHz and 500 MHz to 6 GHz, specifically HF/VHF/UHF, GSM, 2G, 3G and 4G, 5G, UHF/VHF, WiMAX, Reactive, WLAN, LOJACK. As characteristically stated in the technical specifications of the portable frequency jamming devices “they must have the ability to interfere with and interrupt frequencies, including the mobile phone network. They must be portable and the weight of each one, including batteries, antennas and carrying case, must not exceed 10 kilograms”. The selected supplier based on the best offer is obligated, among other things, to deliver the systems within 8 months after contract signing while being required to train at least five police officers in the use of jammers.
The bomb disposal robot
The new remote-controlled vehicle of the Explosive Ordnance Disposal unit will be equipped with cutting-edge technology. The remote-controlled vehicle under procurement will be operated by one person, will be able to enter the so-called “dangerous (hot) zone of bombing and other incidents“, transmit live video to its operator and to the Operations Center, will safely handle suspicious objects (lifting, transport, opening) as well as neutralize improvised explosive devices through the disruption system. In the technical specifications, it is emphasized that the remote-controlled vehicle under procurement must be absolutely compatible, without using any additional material or adapter, with the various types of components already procured by the Explosive Ordnance Disposal and Police Dog Service of the Special Police Forces Directorate, which are adapted to the already procured ICOR CALIBER MK3 remote-controlled vehicle.
Additionally, in the technical specifications the special robot must develop a maximum speed of at least 5 Km/h and have movement in at least three (3) different speeds (slow, medium, fast), climb stairs with a step height of at least twenty 20 centimeters and a slope of at least 40 degrees. It must lift loads weighing at least eight kilograms at full extension of the gripper arm and at least 3 kilograms at full retraction of the gripper arm in horizontal position. Naturally, it must be capable of use on any surface, snow, sand etc., and have at least five cameras.
