O-077 Initial Version NIMIC in a Transition Phase

After a three-year transition period that started in 1988, NIMIC was established in 1991 as an Information and Analysis Center (IAC) dedicated to Insensitive Munitions. Over the years NIMIC has constantly and effectively supported the development and implementation of IM technologies.

The point has now been reached where the NIMIC Nations are looking into the near futureand see the development and fielding of Insensitive Munitions becoming a normal part of the safety design process. A single CNAD Ammunition Safety Group has now replaced both AC/258 and AC/310. The new group structure is encouraged to take advantage of existing resources, like NIMIC, to advance work on high priority activities. These are strong calls to reconsider the scope and activities of NIMIC.

Meanwhile, however, the development and fielding of less sensitive munitions remains one of the contributions to Defence against Terrorism and to the Prague Capabilities Commitment, two of the highest priorities of NATO Nations. Thus, while the NIMIC scope needs broadening, the need to reduce munitions system sensitivity must remain a priority within the overall context of munitions system safety.

This paper presents the transition of NIMIC to MSIAC, a transformation NIMIC is currently conducting to meet these challenging needs.