Three members of the Spanish Verification Unit are taking part in the ‘VERIIFEX II Norway’ exercise

 This edition stands out for its multinational nature and marks a new milestone in the management of weapons and ammunition en la gestión de armas y municiones

Three non-commissioned officers from the Spanish Verification Unit (UVE) have carried out a technical advisory exercise in the towns of Løten and Lillestrøm, north of Oslo, focusing on the management of weapons and ammunition.

This edition stands out for its multinational character and marks a new milestone in the field of Small Arms and Light Weapons and Conventional Ammunition (SALW-CA).

The exercise was led by the Norwegian Verification Unit, with three members from the arms verification units and agencies of Spain, Germany, the United Kingdom and Canada taking part.

Two multinational working groups comprised all participating personnel, who worked in parallel. The sessions focused on the physical security of ammunition depots and the management of storage facilities, with particular attention paid to the control of man-portable air defence systems (MANPADS). During the exercise, methods were employed to ensure traceability and risk-reduction procedures, which are essential tools for guaranteeing the secure custody of these sensitive materials.

The training took a technical and practical approach, focusing on the life cycle of ammunition and the safety standards for the facilities. Physical security and stock management (PSSM) criteria were applied, which are essential for minimising the risks of accidents or diversions at the units.

Such advisory missions take on even greater importance in post-conflict situations. Rigorous control of arms and ammunition is the most effective measure for combating the illicit trafficking of arms and preventing accidents at depots that could affect the civilian population, thereby contributing directly to regional, national and international stability. 

Through this activity on Norwegian territory, the UVE is consolidating its position as a leading provider of specialist technical advice in the field of APAL-MC. The success of the exercise strengthens collaboration within the international arms control community and highlights the capabilities of the UVE’s experts in a key area for security