Senior Researcher OSUGI Shigeru’s participation in the CTBTO Integrated Field Exercise for On-Site Inspection (OSI)

The Comprehensive Nuclear-Test-Ban Treaty Organization (CTBTO) ’s Integrated Field Exercise for On-Site Inspection (#IFE26) is currently taking place in Namibia. The exercise aims to assess and enhance on-site inspection capabilities within the CTBT verification regime and brings together more than 250 experts from around the world. This marks the first time that a CTBTO Integrated Field Exercise has been held in Africa. Through practical field training, participants are sharing their expertise and experience to further strengthen international cooperation in nuclear test verification. At this year’s IFE, Senior Researcher Shigeru Osugi, Group Leader of the National Implementation System on the CTBT, is playing a central role as a member of the inspected State Party’s team (the country undergoing on-site inspections), while Senior Advisor Yonezawa is playing a central role as a member of the exercise evaluation team.

On-Site Inspection (OSI) is a key component of the CTBT verification regime and is regarded as the Treaty’s ultimate verification measure. Once the Treaty enters into force, States Parties will be able to request an on-site inspection to collect evidence in the field if the global monitoring system detects a potential nuclear explosion. In addition to determining whether a nuclear explosion has occurred, an OSI can help establish the facts needed to clarify responsibility in cases of suspected Treaty violations.

In preparation for the entry into force of the CTBT, the CTBTO is working to develop and strengthen its OSI capabilities. This field exercise represents an important step toward enhancing the expertise of participating personnel and strengthening the operational capabilities and readiness required to conduct future on-site inspections through practical training that simulates real inspection conditions.