Exploring the Challenges and Limits of Detonating Hidden IEDs in Afghanistan

Why, in the face of the technical means to detonate hidden Improvised Explosive Devices (IEDs), did we lose three brave soldiers in Afghanistan to an IED recently? This question prompts a deeper look into the limitations of current technology and the continuing reliance on human resources to address a dangerous threat.

The Limitations of Detonating IEDs

The primary outcome of having the technical means to detonate hidden IEDs is the requirement to know precisely where these devices are located before they are triggered. There is no magic fix to this problem; it still relies on human troops and 'Mk1 eyeballs' to locate these dangerous devices. Search teams face significant danger as they are often under the constant threat of IED detonation.

The situation is particularly complex when considering remote detonation. Without existing technology to remotely set off an IED, such a capability does not currently exist. Remote detonation requires an exact match to the frequency or 'trigger' set by the bomber. For example, if an IED is triggered by a specific phone number, one would need to know the exact number to initiate detonation. Without this specific knowledge, remote detonation remains an impractical solution.

Electronic Countermeasures: A Partial Solution

The closest current technology to preventing IED detonation remotely involves the use of electronic countermeasure jammers. These devices aim to block a range of frequencies but often operate on a limited scale due to the significant power required to function effectively. A typical setup may require 35 amps of power, enough to power all the appliances in a small home at once. However, these jammers also come with their own challenges:

They may unintentionally jam other local radio, TV, and cell towers. They would have little to no effect on IEDs that are wired for detonation, as the detonation is not linked to an electronic trigger.

Additionally, the counter-IED equipment is often designed with specific triggers in mind, making it impractical to equip every vehicle with a vast array of countermeasures for every potential trigger.

Consequently, the most effective approach remains finding these devices before they cause harm. This method has its limitations, particularly when it comes to detecting all hidden IEDs. Despite improvements in detection technology, search teams still can't find every single IED in a region, especially given the extensive areas of conflict in Afghanistan where IEDs are commonly deployed.

Conclusion

The recent loss of brave soldiers to an IED in Afghanistan highlights the ongoing challenges in addressing the threat of IEDs. While technology offers some promising solutions, the reliability and practicality of these technologies are often limited by physical constraints and the nature of the devices themselves. Continued investment in both technology and personnel remains crucial in the fight against IEDs.