The Counter-Improvised Explosive Devices Centre of Excellence (C-IED COE) has successfully concluded a three-day Periodic Assessment visit conducted by a delegation from Allied Command Transformation (ACT), reinforcing its continued relevance and contribution to the Alliance.
The visit, held at the Centre’s facilities in Hoyo de Manzanares, brought together subject matter experts and leadership from both organizations to conduct a comprehensive review of the Centre’s activities, outputs and alignment with NATO accreditation criteria. The Periodic Assessment is conducted every three years to evaluate Centers of Excellence against established standards and to ensure their effectiveness in supporting NATO’s transformation and operational requirements.
Throughout the visit, the C-IED COE demonstrated its integrated and multidisciplinary approach to countering improvised explosive device threats, encompassing the full spectrum of activities across Attack the Networks, Defeat the Device and Prepare the Force. Particular emphasis was placed on the Centre’s contributions to doctrine development, education and training, operational support, and innovation in response to emerging and hybrid threats.
The visit concluded with a virtual debrief conducted with Brigadier General Soto at Headquarters Allied Command Transformation in Norfolk, during which the assessment team presented their preliminary findings.
During the debrief, the ACT team highlighted the high level of professionalism, commitment and output demonstrated by the C-IED COE and indicated its intention to submit a favorable report as part of the Periodic Assessment process.
This successful evaluation underscores the C-IED COE’s role as a key enabler within NATO’s Warfare Development ecosystem, contributing to the Alliance’s ability to anticipate, understand and counter evolving IED threats in a complex and multi-domain environment.
The C-IED COE remains committed to supporting NATO, its Allies and partners through expertise, innovation and cooperation, ensuring that the Alliance maintains its operational effectiveness against one of the most persistent and adaptive threats in modern conflict.
