The BIKINI state is an indication of an alert state as used by the British government, specifically the Ministry of Defence, to warn of non-specific forms of terrorist activity. In addition, the TESSERAL system is used to warn of a specific threat of terrorist use of surface to air missiles and/or anti-aircraft guns.

The BIKINI Alert States are defined as follows (most serious at top):

RED

Information has been received about an attack on a specific target. It can also mean "full alert", meaning the United Kingdom is at war, especially if there's a likelihood of a nuclear strike.

AMBER

There has been specific information received and there is a substantial threat to government targets. It can also mean "High alert", which could be a transition to war.

BLACK SPECIAL

There is an increased likelihood of an attack, but no defined target. It can also mean "potential terrorist threat".

BLACK

There has been an assessment made that there is the possibility of an attack, but no defined target. It can also mean "possible civil unrest", meaning security can't be guaranteed.

WHITE

No information available about a specific threat. It can also mean "situation stable"

These alert states are also posted at the entrance to government buildings in respect to security and terrorism conditions. Whilst similar to the DEFCON alert states used in the United States, the BIKINI levels are defined by the section of the military or organisation rather than UK-wide. The highest levels of alert, RED and AMBER, are only intended to be maintained for limited times.

The same definitions apply to the TESSERAL alert states except that they are applied to a specific threat to military aircraft. Since TESSERAL applies to specific threats, the WHITE state is not used.

External links

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• (Redacted) Memorandum by the Ministry of Defence on Defence and Security in the UK (January 2002) discussing BIKINI states
  • Note: Annex D referred to in the above is redacted in its entirety
• A (redacted) Examination of Witnesses in the Select Committee on Defence discussing the costs of changes to BIKINI states

Alert measurement systems | Disaster preparedness in the United Kingdom

BIKINI (beredskab) | BIKINI