Around 80 tonnes of specialised equipment for the Comprehensive Nuclear-Test-Ban Treaty Organization's (CTBTO) Integrated Field Exercise 2026 (IFE26) have arrived in Namibia through Walvis Bay International Airport.

The equipment was transported to Swakopmund on Monday morning, where the consignment is currently parked near the town's railway station. 

A further shipment is expected to bring the total specialised equipment transported by sea and air to approximately 150 tonnes.

It is a field training activity involving international scientists and experts, based around the idea of fictional explosions. 

Experts practice how they would investigate such an incident on the ground, carefully following a pre-agreed manual of steps and procedures.

In the past, two previous such exercises have taken place, in Kazakhstan in 2008 and in Jordan in 2014.

Namibia is hosting the international exercise from 10 October to 20 November in Swakopmund and surrounding areas of the Erongo Region, becoming the first African country to host the exercise.

IFE26 simulates the investigation of a suspected nuclear explosion, training international experts to collect, analyse and interpret evidence that could help determine whether a nuclear test has occurred.

The exercise is conducted under a fictional scenario and does not involve nuclear materials. Organisers say activities will take place under strict safety measures, with efforts to minimise disruption to residents and businesses.

Residents may notice increased movement of vehicles, specialised equipment and personnel in the area as preparations and exercise activities continue.