Counter-Terrorism and Aviation Security Nexus
While similar at first sight, the counterterrorism and aviation security sectors are traditionally rooted in distinctly separate ecosystems and mandates. The former seeks to prevent and combat terrorism, and the latter focuses on preventing acts of unlawful interference in civil aviation. When terrorists target civil aviation infrastructures, it becomes a matter of concern for both sectors.
Increasing Situational Awareness
Aviation security is only as effective as the information that underpins it. One way aviation security and counterterrorism-mandated services can benefit from each other's expertise is through the exchange of information on threats to a nation's critical infrastructure. Through the TAM Project, participating Member States gain increased awareness of how a comprehensive interagency approach enables the integration of relevant threat information into the aviation security risk management process.
Aviation Security and Counterterrorism Interoperability
To be effective, this collaboration requires both sides to learn from each other’s work, culture and languages. Through the TAM Project, participating national entities also take part in joint activities to enhance the continuum of information from the threat assessment stage to the risk management elaboration stage, and consequently will have enhanced capacity to establish consensus on a national approach for interagency coordination.
Reference Models
The TAM Project has identified a series of approaches to aviation security and counterterrorism cooperation and communication. These consist of models that are in use by Member States around the world and with proven efficiency and effectiveness. This repository of resources enables the Project to further tailor interagency cooperation structures for beneficiary Member States who can use this best fit approach to transmit accurate, timely, and relevant threat information to support risk-based decision-making processes in aviation security.
Enabling Informed Decisions
During the Project, beneficiary Member States participate in the development and operationalization of an interagency communication model that facilitates the transmission of relevant threat information to the right people, at the right time, to support risk-based decision-making processes in aviation security. This effectively enables beneficiary Member States to reduce the risk of future terrorist attacks on civil aviation by adapting countermeasures to current threats.
