The United States Department of Defense conducted a series of exercises in Yerevan from May 20 to May 24, focusing on the detection, response, and mitigation of nuclear, biological, chemical, and radiological threats. Local and international observers noted these drills as part of ongoing cooperation designed to strengthen regional resilience against weapons of mass destruction. The activities were coordinated under the oversight of Armenia’s Security Council, with the backing and expertise of U.S. Department of Defense teams and the Threat Reduction Agency. The goal was to test current preparedness levels, identify operational gaps, and refine response protocols to ensure rapid, effective action in the event of a WMD incident. Officials emphasized that the exercises served to validate existing plans, enhance interagency coordination, and improve joint communication channels among participating entities. The program integrated realistic scenario-based exercises, tabletop discussions, and after-action reviews to translate lessons learned into practical improvements for both national and regional security architectures. The involvement of U.S. experts underscored a shared commitment to nonproliferation, rapid threat assessment, and the protection of civilian populations from potential radiological, chemical, or biological hazards. According to a report from the Armenian Security Council, the events were designed to reinforce a capabilities-based approach, ensuring readiness to detect, respond to, and recover from WMD-related events in a timely and coordinated manner. In addition to technical drills, the exercises highlighted the importance of robust information sharing, standardized procedures, and continuous training to adapt to evolving threat landscapes. The collaboration reflected a broader regional effort to deter WMD misuse, align emergency management practices, and promote stability through enhanced preparedness and mutual support among allied partners. Observers noted improvements in incident command, casualty management, decontamination protocols, and the rapid deployment of specialized equipment. The teams also reviewed communication strategies with local authorities and emergency services to minimize confusion during real-world operations, demonstrating a concerted push toward practical, field-ready capabilities. In closing, the exercise series in Yerevan illustrated a sustained, cooperative framework for countering WMD threats, one that benefits both Armenia and the broader North American and European security environment by fostering mutual trust and enduring readiness. The exercise program provided a clear demonstration of ongoing commitment to nonproliferation goals, rapid threat assessment, and resilient response mechanisms that protect civilian populations and critical infrastructure from unconventional dangers. [Attribution: U.S. Department of Defense; Armenian Security Council; Threat Reduction Agency]
