DEFENCE chiefs are ordering spy-proof acoustic pods where staff can hold secret meetings inside highly sensitive headquarters in a bid to prevent eavesdropping by foreign spies.
The specially adapted pods must be “acoustically rated to prevent eavesdropping and meet standards for Secret-level verbal communication”, according to the Government.
Interestingly, the Ministry of Defence code for the standard for the pods must achieve is known as GovS-007.
Details of the pods have been released in a “notice to industry” and will be located at the armed forces Joint Personnel Administration Centre at Kentigern House in Glasgow.
Kentigern House is where all the personal details of all troops are held including those in sensitive roles like intelligence and the special forces.
The identities of troops involved in covert operations would be very useful to potential enemies such as Russia, China and Iran.
The pods are fitted with acoustic panels which use a type of material called Mass-Loaded Vinyl, a dense, flexible material that acts as a barrier to sound, effectively blocking sound transmission.
They can be fitted with a special form of glass composed of multiple layers designed to reduce noise.
The pods will also be constructed with acoustic sealants which create air-tight seals around doors, windows, and other openings, preventing sound from leaking in or out.
Colonel Phil Ingram, a former Army Intelligence officer said: “Acoustic pods which can prevent eavesdropping by foreign spies are essential. The UK’s adversaries are constantly attempting to steal sensitive information about our armed forces and this makes perfect sense.”
According to the MoD notice, the pods are also required to be self-contained, modular, and relocatable, allowing for future reconfiguration or redeployment depending on operational needs.
Each unit must include ventilation, lighting, and power suitable for extended use.
While the MoD does not specify the exact use case, acoustic pods are increasingly used across defence, government, and corporate environments to provide enclosed, sound-dampened spaces within larger office or operations centres.
These enclosed units offer a degree of soundproofing that enables private meetings, phone calls, and secure briefings without requiring permanent structural changes to a building.
Acoustic pods can support a variety of operational needs, from secure communications and planning meetings to one-on-one interviews or temporary command functions.
The inclusion of Secret-level voice isolation suggests a focus on enabling classified briefings or consultations without compromising acoustic security.
AlamyKentigern House, in Glasgow, is where all the personal details of all troops are held[/caption] Published: [#item_custom_pubDate]
