Based on initial concept demonstrations, Smiths Detection Inc.(SDI) and subcontractor 908 Devices will jointly move into the next phase of technology development and testing. This Option I award, from the Joint Project Manager for Nuclear, Biological and Chemical Contamination Avoidance, is a major milestone within the overall requirements for this programme.

Stephen Esposito, Vice President and General Manager of SDI’s Defense Solutions Business Unit, said: “SDI provides our soldiers with the most advanced technologies available to protect them, and help them meet their missions. This contract will build on our highly successful chemical detection programme, one of the largest in the world, and our partnership with the U.S. Department of Defense.”

The NGCD programme is designed to develop and procure detectors for Chemical Warfare Agents, Toxic Industrial Chemicals, and Non-Traditional Agents. The detectors are intended for use by the services in a wide range of missions.