Vehicle-as-a-Weapon threats demand smarter Hostile Vehicle Mitigation (HVM).
A persistent, low-complexity threat
Vehicle-as-a-weapon (VAW) attacks remain a credible threat to crowded places, public events and accessible urban spaces. Their appeal to hostile actors is simple: vehicles are widely available, require little specialist capability and can cause severe harm within seconds.
ProtectUK describes VAW as a “low complexity methodology” requiring little or no training and therefore within the capability of many individuals.
The wider terrorism environment is also becoming more fragmented. Europol’s EU Terrorism Situation and Trend Report 2026 recorded 45 terrorist attacks across 10 EU Member States in 2025 and describes a more complex threat environment involving dispersed networks, lone actors and self-initiated cells.
This figure covers terrorism overall—not VAW attacks specifically—but the broader trend matters: threats can emerge with less organisational structure and may be harder to identify before they materialise.
For security professionals, the implication is clear: vehicle threats should be considered as part of normal risk assessment wherever vehicles and dense pedestrian concentrations can intersect.
Hostile Vehicle Mitigation (HVM) refers to protective measures against terrorist activities targeting buildings and public spaces.
HVM designs aim to prevent vehicle-based attacks, including those using vehicles as bombs (VBIEDs) or for ramming. HVM can also be integrated into landscape features, street furniture or architectural elements to disguise their security function.
Selecting appropriate HVM barriers
The selection of HVM barriers involves a hostile vehicle dynamics study to ensure appropriate protection based on vehicle speed and mass.
HVM installations should not hinder pedestrian movement. The strategy often includes creating a protective perimeter around the target, maintaining a standoff distance to mitigate debris fallout.
Recent trends in HVM also focus on protecting crowded places from vehicle ram attacks.
The role of software in HVM planning
In addition to physical barriers, software solutions play a crucial role in Hostile Vehicle Mitigation by aiding in the evaluation of potential threats and the strategic positioning of barriers.
These software tools can analyze the specific layout and vulnerabilities of a location, considering factors such as vehicle speed, angles of approach and types of vehicles.
Software solutions typically feature simulation and modeling capabilities, enabling security planners to assess various attack scenarios and understand the potential impact of different types of vehicle attacks.
They help in determining the optimal placement of physical barriers to maximize the protective perimeter while minimizing disruption to normal activities and pedestrian flow.
Software can support the intelligent positioning of HVM measures around the real geometry and constraints of a site.