·      For four days, Valencia has become the centre of analysis and exhibition of technologies applied to the fight against improvised explosive devices and technical exploitation.

From 15 to 18 June, the C-IED COE organized the second edition of its C-IED Annual Conference (CIEDAC) in the city of Valencia.

Officially inaugurated by its director, Colonel Javier Sanz Maldonado, and with the support of several local and national authorities, among which the presence of Vice Admiral Saturnino Suanzes stood out, CIEDAC26 brought together experts from all over the world to discuss the evolving threat posed by Improvised Explosive Devices (IEDs) as well as the newest advances in Technical Exploitation and Battlefield Evidence.

CIEDAC26 has proved a unique forum to exchange lessons learned, explore future trends and strengthen multinational cooperation. It has created a collaborative environment for specialists from the armed forces, law enforcement agencies, international organizations, academy and industry to improve their knowledge, share experiences, discover technological advances and identify challenges and possible solutions.

Funded by NATO Defence Against Terrorism Programme of Work, the conference has reflected the Centre’s commitment to supporting the Alliance, its nations and partners through expertise, education, analysis, doctrine development and innovation in the fight against IED threats.

Throughout the four days of the event, almost two hundred participants of 27 nationalities were able to hear the opinions of 25 experts firsthand. They were also able to learn about the operation of cutting-edge technologies provided by specialized companies that were presented in the exhibitors' area.

Overall, this benchmark event for the C-IED world has positioned Valencia as the world capital of these disciplines for four days and has been successfully received both nationally and internationally.