SOURCE: AFI
In a significant step toward modernizing its capabilities, the Indian Army has signed a contract for the procurement of 223 units of the Automatic Chemical Agent Detection & Alarm (ACADA) System. This advanced technology, developed by the Defence Research and Development Establishment (DRDE), a Gwalior-based laboratory of the Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO), will be produced by M/s Larsen & Toubro Ltd (L&T), a designated Technology Transfer (ToT) holder and production agency for the ACADA system. The deal marks a milestone in India’s pursuit of self-reliance in critical defense technologies.
The ACADA system is designed to detect and provide early warnings against chemical warfare (CW) agents and toxic industrial chemicals (TICs), bolstering the Indian Army’s preparedness in Chemical, Biological, Radiological, and Nuclear (CBRN) defense. Leveraging twin-tube Ion Mobility Spectrometry (IMS) technology, the system offers continuous monitoring and rapid detection capabilities, making it an essential tool for enhancing operational readiness in contested environments. Its induction is expected to strengthen the Army’s ability to respond to CBRN threats, as well as support disaster relief efforts where chemical hazards may be a concern.
The collaboration between DRDO and L&T exemplifies India’s growing defense-industrial synergy. DRDE, a premier institution specializing in the research and development of countermeasures against hazardous chemical and biological agents, successfully developed the ACADA system, which underwent rigorous user-assisted technical trials at the College of Military Engineering (CME) in Pune. L&T, a trusted industrial partner, has been entrusted with scaling up production to meet the Army’s requirements, ensuring that this indigenous technology reaches the frontline efficiently.
Weighing under 20 kilograms and designed with soldier-friendly ergonomics, the ACADA system is both portable and practical for field deployment. Its development reflects DRDO’s commitment to equipping the armed forces with state-of-the-art solutions tailored to modern threats. The system’s clearance by an international evaluation at TNO (The Netherlands Organization) in 2018 further validates its reliability and aligns it with global standards.
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