The BDD has upgraded its logistic and operational capabilities with respect to body armor, techniques and technologies, intelligence, training, and operational strategies and tactics. The first priority has been to improve the personal protection of bomb disposal officers by developing state-of-the-art body armor that is light and easy to put on and remove and that offers an optimum level of security. New techniques have been developed and applied to cope with sophisticated activating and timing mechanisms of terrorist bombs and to seal off areas containing a suspected bomb. Intelligence gathering has intensified and cooperation with foreign bomb squads has tightened; improved training courses and exercises have been devised. The need to be prepared for terrorist attacks is considered in the context of the Middle East peace process. 5 photographs