Training Collaboration in Indonesia: Strengthening EOD Capability with BRIMOB

May 27
3 min read

Updated: Jun 2

When Chris Hawthorne stepped off the plane at Soekarno–Hatta International Airport after a long journey via Doha, he arrived with a clear purpose: to deliver a focused two‑day training programme on the Vulkan disruptor system, eBlitz exploder, and 250‑metre firing cable to the Bomb Squad of the Indonesian National Police (POLRI), part of the Mobile Brigade Corps (BRIMOB). The engagement was coordinated by Growhill and supported by their local partner, following the delivery of two complete Vulkan systems and associated equipment.

Training began on Monday morning, running daily from 0900 to 1700. With English proficiency limited among the participants, a local interpreter played a central role in ensuring smooth communication. Growhill provided a translated version of the lesson material, while Chris worked from the English slides on his laptop to maintain accuracy and structure throughout the sessions. Their teams operate in environments that demand discipline, precision, and equipment they can trust. Supporting that mission is a responsibility we take seriously.

Day One: Familiarisation with the CSL 50/40 VUL M2 De‑armer/Disruptor

The first day took place in the classroom and focused on building a solid understanding of the equipment. Participants worked through the Vulkan system step by step, covering its components, functions, and the correct procedures for building up and breaking down the system. Safety considerations, laser calibration, and maintenance routines formed key parts of the morning’s instruction.

A trainer and a trainee going over the Vulkan de-armer disruptor as part of the RDS training programme in Indonesia with BRIMOB.

Once the group had confirmed their understanding, the session moved on to the eBlitz exploder and the 250‑metre firing cable, ensuring operators were familiar with their purpose and operation before moving to live application.

BRIMOB’s Bomb Squad already operates a wide range of disruptors and de‑armers from several international manufacturers, giving the team a strong baseline for understanding how the Vulkan integrates into their existing capability set.

A POLRI team member undergoing familiarisation training with the Vulkan de-armer disruptor from RDS

Training Day Two: From the Classroom to the Range

The second day began with a recap of the previous day’s learning before the team moved to the range to apply what they had learned. Operators conducted live firing with all three Vulkan barrel options, using the eBlitz as the range exploder and deploying the firing cable throughout the exercises.

A group of trainees in Indonesia working with the CSL 50/40 Vulkan from Richmond Defence Systems.

Although BRIMOB had planned to provide training targets, the team ultimately sourced suitable items from the range store on the day. The improvised setup allowed all required shots to be completed effectively, giving participants valuable hands‑on experience with the equipment.

The CSL 50/40 Vulkan set up to be deployed against a dummy IED as part of a training course in Indonesia.

Attendance grew steadily, increasing from seven operators on the first morning to fourteen by the end of the programme. The Commander of the Bomb Squad visited on both days, taking a close interest in the training and expressing enthusiasm for exploring additional RDS equipment in future.

A Strong Finish to the Programme

Before beginning the long journey home, Chris sent through a final set of images from Range Day, capturing the team in high spirits as they concluded the training package. Judging by the smiles, the new RDS caps and badges were a welcome addition to the day.

These moments underline the value of in‑person engagement: knowledge transfer, shared experience, and the strengthening of international partnerships.

A group shot of the Richmond Defence Systems trainee cohort at BRIMOB in Indonesia with their trainer (Chris Hawthorne).

Looking Ahead

During the engagement, BRIMOB expressed interest in a future training package focused specifically on range work and the practical application of the Vulkan system. Such a programme would include discussion of IED principles and procedures to support their ongoing capability development, while remaining aligned with operational boundaries and without disclosing sensitive methods.

The front aspect of the Bomb Data Center in Gegana Indonesia.

The Bomb Squad’s remit centres on IED and terrorism‑related incidents, with CMD tasks handled by military teams across Indonesia. Any future collaboration will therefore remain focused on IED‑oriented EOD capability, ensuring relevance to their operational environment.

A BRIMOB branded van within the training area in Indonesia.

For organisations interested in our training packages or in learning more about the CSL 50/40 VUL M2, the team can be contacted at sales@richmond-dfs.com.