Australia Enhances its Defense in CBRN Field

Australia Enhances its Defense in CBRN Field

cBRN
U.S. Marines from 3rd Marine Division, Chemical, Biological, Radiological and Nuclear defense platoon, Headquarters Battalion, III Marine Expeditionary Force, evacuate simulated casualties during exercise Habu Sentinel 16 at Disaster Village, Marine Corps Air Station Iwakuni, Japan, June 7, 2016. As the annual capstone exercise for the division’s response element, this event encompasses multiple objectives specific to CBRN response and validates unit standard operating procedures in an unfamiliar training environment. (U.S. Marine Corps photo by Sgt. Jessica Quezada/Released)

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Australia is equipping its armed forces with new chemical, biological, radiological and nuclear defense capabilities. The defense ministry signed contracts worth A$238 million with Leidos Australia for the supply and support of CBRN defense equipment for the Australian Defense Force.

The program covers everything from detectors through to suits and requires a level of integration between the numerous elements being procured.

It focuses on the typical capability elements of CBRN defense: detection identification and monitoring, warning and reporting, physical protection (personal and collective), hazard management, containment and decontamination, medical support and training mechanisms.

Approximately 70,000 equipment items will be supplied to support Defense’s capability to detect and protect itself from toxic industrial chemicals and weaponized chemical, biological, radiological and nuclear agents. The capability will also include systems to manage contaminated personnel and equipment.

“Leidos Australia will be a key capability partner of the ADF for the delivery and support of cutting-edge technology to protect our soldiers on the battlefield as they encounter these evolving threats,” Minister for Defense, Christopher Pyne said.

He explained that global events in this year alone have demonstrated that chemical, biological, radiological and nuclear threats are contemporary hazards throughout the world.

Pyne added that the 15-year project will provide an integrated and layered chemical, biological, radiological and nuclear defense capability which replaces aging equipment reaching the end of its service life.