On May 30, 2019 the Office of Nuclear Smuggling Detection and Deterrence (NSDD) of the US Department of Energy transferred to the Armenian Border Guard Troops Phase 1 Radiation detection, patrol and interdiction equipment.
At the formal meeting between Zak Johnson, NSDD manager and Colonel Vaghinak Sargsyan, a commander of the RA NSS Border Guard Troops, Transfer-Acceptance Statement was signed for Phase I equipment. Following delivery of Phase II equipment, official Transfer signing ceremony will be organized, which is tentatively scheduled for September, 2019.
At the meeting the sides also discussed the ongoing and potential future cooperation between two organizations to prevent nuclear smuggling: the possibility of new donations, and delivery of training sessions. In autumn 2019 NSDD is planning to deliver training sessions for Armenian Border Guards designed for use of the donated equipment, as well as for development and implementation of related Standard Operating Procedures (SOP).
Colonel Vaghinak Sargsyan thanked Zak Johnson for the contribution and expressed readiness to continue mutual cooperative efforts.