The international comparison of European aerial monitoring groups will be held for the first time in the Czech Republic at the Přerov Airport from 2 to 7 June 2024.
The aim of the exercise of the aerial monitoring groups is to familiarise teams with each other, monitoring procedures, compatibility of results and the extent of possible cooperation in the event of a radiation accident anywhere in Europe.
The main organiser of the event is the National Radiation Protection Institute, a public research institution (Státní ústav radiační ochrany (SÚRO, v.v.i.)), the Army of the Czech Republic and LOM PRAHA s.p., a traditional company not only of the Czech, but also of the European and world aviation industry.
Given the low number of aerial monitoring groups in Europe (less than 10), the possibility of their cooperation at international level is important. Exercises of this type are regularly organised by European state organisations involved in aerial monitoring of the radiation situation and are aimed at practicing mutual cooperation in case of emergencies related to the release of radioactive substances. The SÚRO - the Army of the Czech Republic aerial group joined the comparisons in 2015 and this year the exercise will take place for the first time on the territory of the Czech Republic. Aerial groups from Germany, France, Switzerland and the Czech Republic will take part in the event.
During the exercise, the radiation situation will be monitored at selected locations (measurement of natural radioactivity and residual caesium as a remnant of the Chernobyl accident). Sensitive instruments on board of the helicopter will be used for these measurements.
