Case Study: UK Ministry of Defence protects troops with PA Consulting’s Panama IED detection system

Using innovative procurement techniques to rapidly deliver an explosive device detection system to protect UK forces

The UK Ministry of Defence worked with PA Consulting to tackle the urgent challenge of rapidly deploying an unmanned improvised explosive device (IED) detection capability for use in Afghanistan. Existing off-the-shelf options were only designed for manned vehicles, and developing a fully bespoke solution within the required timeframe seemed unrealistic.

PA Consulting developed “Panama,” a vehicle-based IED detection system using obsolete Snatch Land Rovers and a proven detection technology. The solution kept crews out of harm’s way, allowed routes to be searched at least 10 times faster, moved from investment decision to operational use in just 11 months, and delivered £17M in savings.

UK Ministry of Defence

Paul Ridge

Manoeuvre Support Team Leader