Joe Biden Ireland: White House Communications Agency Roadrunner (WHCA) MC2V vehicle (nuclear strike comms link) 'seen on test run in Belfast' with PSNI escort

Two or three large US style black SUVs were apparently being escorted through Belfast by two liveried PSNI vehicles, the leading one using blue flashing lights.

They were spotted on the A55 citybound near Boucher Road about 3:40pm last Saturday.

But the most unusual feature of the small convoy was the large glassy black dome on top of one of the vehicles.

According to reports, a vehicle fitting this description always travels in presidential motorcades and is known as the MC2V or Roadrunner, which keeps the US President in touch with his massive defence and intelligence networks at all times - including the Pentagon.

Some reports have suggested the technology it carries includes real time facial recognition of potential terrorists and electronic counter warfare capabilities against missile strikes.

Security and technology experts have told the News Letter the convoy was most likely testing their equipment for the visit of US President Joe Biden next week.

Tyrone man and former NATO intelligence Col Philip Ingram told the News Letter: "This is the advance party from the US Secret Service carrying out a reconnaissance of the potential routes the presidential convoy will follow and be looking at threat points but also escape routes and things like local hospitals just in case.

"The dome is for satellite communications and tracking, giving a guaranteed high data capacity secure communications link. It won’t be 3D scanning the route - it doesn’t need to as all that data is available already.

"The outer cordon of security including access to CCTV etc will be the responsibility of the PSNI and it is unlikely facial recognition software will be used but they may use what are caller super recognisers, trained police personnel with a ‘gift’ to be able to identify known criminals and threat actors for little snippets of pictures.

"The Presidential convoy will include the ability to jam communications or electronic commands to IEDs, to deal with any chemical or radiological incidents and much more.

"Of course wherever the President goes, his ability to order a nuclear strike goes with him and the secure comms link is needed to ensure that as well."

Andrew McQuillan is director of Northern Ireland based company Crowded Space Drones.

His company has used specialised equipment to combat terrorist drone attacks on Gatwick and Heathrow airports.

"The dome [on the SUV] is normally a communications link back to Situation / Critical Rooms for the President as his own vehicle - known as 'the beast - cannot have such technology directly connecting," said Andrew, whose father is former ACC Alan McQuillan.

"So they were probably doing tests to ensure they can remain in continuous connection during convoy routes."

He said the presidential convoy will also have antennas which will allow them to disable any drones which fly too close.

The PSNI responded that it does not comment on the security arrangements made for individuals.

A spokesman for The US Consulate in Belfast declined to offer any comment.