Rigaku Analytical Devices, a division under Rigaku Holdings Corporation, has announced the launch of its fourth generation 1064 nm Raman analyzers: the Icon series, featuring enhancements in chemical threat analysis for safety and security applications. The first in the series, the Icon-X, will be showcased at The International Hazardous Materials Response Teams Conference (HAZMAT), hosted by the International Association of Fire Chiefs (IAFC), in Baltimore, MD USA from June 13-14, 2025. From June 13 onward, we will begin rolling out global sales.

The Icon-X is the first 1064 nm Raman analyzer to provide standoff chemical analysis allowing users to analyze potentially dangerous substances from a safe distance. This is critical for military, first responders, EOD, and border protection teams who could potentially be exposed to explosive threats, such as improvised explosive devices (IEDs), homemade explosives (HMEs), and chemical threats. This new, optional feature also reduces the need for time-consuming sample collection, while allowing responders to assess hazards without disrupting the scene.

In addition to the new standoff capability, the Icon-X contains an on-board, comprehensive library of chemical warfare agents (CWAs), explosives, narcotics, toxic industrial chemicals, precursors, cutting agents, and more. The Icon-X features a more ergonomic form factor, with improvements in all areas over previous generations, including:

• Use of the latest technology for enhanced processing
• Illuminated keypad and larger, more responsive touchscreen for easier use
• Optional GPS ability to mark critical scan data for fleet management and sensitive site exploitation
• Upgraded 13 MP camera with LED flash for more clear images
• Meets the MIL-STD-810H standard for durability, passing tests for shock, pressure, and extreme temperatures. It also has IP68 certification, making it fully dustproof and waterproof—ideal for tough environments and decontamination use
• New accessories to expand applications, such as a ball probe to scan inside a deep container 

As criminal networks become more sophisticated with easier access to chemicals and dangerous recipes, the need for first responders to have cutting-edge technology has never been more critical. Based on the success of Rigaku’s previous generations of handheld 1064 nm Raman technology, the Icon series provides users with reliable results, allowing them to respond faster, while keeping them safe from exposure. The utilization of 1064 nm Raman technology means users can scan through translucent packaging and identify dirty or mixed substances without fluorescence issues, a common issue for older Raman technology.

“While developing the Icon Series, we considered the years of feedback received from our global network of 1064 nm Raman users and partners,” said Dr. Michael Hargreaves, Vice President of Science & Technology at Rigaku Analytical Devices. “This allowed us to take a proven, field-accessible technology to the next level, and really expand the capabilities of handheld Raman spectroscopy. “

The Rigaku Icon-X will be demonstrated in booth #314 at the IAFC Hazmat Show in Baltimore, MD USA from June 13-14, 2025.

The Rigaku Icon-X joins the award-winning 1064 nm fleet of Rigaku CQL analyzers and is supported by Rigaku’s global sales and distribution channels. For more information on the Icon-X, please visit: www.rigakuanalytical.com.

908 Devices Inc., a pioneer of purpose-built handheld devices for chemical analysis, announces that the Metropolitan Washington Council of Governments (COG) has purchased eight XplorIR devices, one for each of the seven counties and District of Columbia, which comprise the COG. The devices were shipped in Q1 2025, with training taking place in Q2 2025.

The handheld XplorIR device accurately detects, identifies, and quantifies 5,000 unknown gas and vapor chemical threats in seconds. The device has simple controls, an intuitive display and is built for harsh environments, making it easy for first responders to use in emergency situations.

“The XplorIR is a crucial addition to our response toolkit,” said Peter J. Dziubla, Captain, DC Fire and EMS Department, Hazardous Materials Unit. “The ability to quickly detect and identify an unknown gas provides the information we need to contain a potentially dangerous situation and to keep people safe.”

The Metropolitan Washington COG is an independent, nonprofit association that brings District of Columbia, Maryland and Virginia leaders together to address regional issues, such as homeland security and public safety. COG brings police chiefs, fire chiefs, emergency managers, and other leaders together to strengthen regional public safety coordination, homeland security planning, and emergency communication.

NOBLE announced this week that it has been awarded the $500M U.S. Army JPEO CBRND Commercial Solutions IDIQ contract. The award is an Indefinite Delivery, Indefinite Quantity (IDIQ) contract to supply Commercial-off-the-Shelf (COTS) items, equipment, ancillary training, and services for the Joint Program Executive Office for Chemical, Biological, Radiological, and Nuclear Defense (JPEO CBRND).

The JPEO CBRND Commercial Solutions contract is a multiple-award contract with a ceiling value of $500 million. It provides JPEO CBRND and its mission partners with a contract vehicle for the rapid acquisition of brand-name CBRND equipment and supplies. A product catalog with thousands of CBRND-related products is available for ordering under this IDIQ. These products will support the warfighter, the Department of Defense, the Nation, and its allies and partners across all warfighting domains and functions.

Products available include PPE, CBRND equipment, detection and monitoring equipment for toxic industrial chemicals and materials, and decontamination products. NOBLE provides both products and services, including turnout gear, respirators, portable analytical instruments, area monitoring systems, uncrewed systems, personnel screening systems, training, and equipment life-cycle sustainment.

Threats of terrorism, war, and climate change are growing global concerns, leading to increased requirements for CBRN defense. In response, NOBLE provides comprehensive solutions to assess, counter, and neutralize these threats. By streamlining acquisition through its government-awarded contract vehicles, NOBLE ensures that government, defense, and private sector customers are well-equipped to face CBRN threats. The company's contingency capabilities cover national emergencies, natural disasters, relief efforts, and troop deployments.

Safeware, Inc., a leading provider of emergency preparedness and response solutions, is proud to announce it has been selected as an awardee for a major Indefinite Delivery Indefinite Quantity (IDIQ) contract by the United States Army under the Joint Program Executive Office for Chemical, Biological, Radiological, and Nuclear Defense (JPEO-CBRND).

The contract, issued under Solicitation Number 47QFNA25R0001 and Contract Number 47QFNA25D0016, is administered by the U.S. General Services Administration (GSA) on behalf of the Army’s JPEO-CBRND Headquarters Office. It enables the rapid acquisition of mission-critical CBRN defense equipment and supplies through competitively awarded, firm-fixed-price delivery orders. Safeware will be eligible to compete for these orders to help enhance the Army’s operational readiness and response capabilities.

“Safeware is honored to support the U.S. Army’s mission to protect our nation’s warfighters and homeland from CBRN threats,” said Michael Brown, Director of Federal Sales at Safeware, Inc. “This award reinforces our long-standing commitment to delivering trusted solutions, technical expertise, and timely support to federal, state, and local agencies, and now directly to our military personnel.”

The total ceiling value for the contract is estimated at $500 million across all awardees, with a period of performance consisting of one base year and four option periods. Work will commence upon the issuance of individual delivery orders. Safeware stands ready to meet evolving mission requirements with industry-leading solutions, supported by long-standing manufacturer partnerships and expert-led response training.

Interested agencies can contact Safeware for more information.

908 Devices Inc., a pioneer of purpose-built handheld devices for chemical analysis, announced that the Romanian Customs Authority has fully deployed 27 MX908 devices across its border operations. The units were delivered earlier this year and are now actively supporting frontline officers with real-time identification of trace chemicals, enhancing the country’s ability to monitor cross-border movement and investigate suspicious substances with speed and precision.

“We have already experienced the benefits of the MX908 and are excited about the possibilities this technology enables in the field, from stopping illegal drug trafficking to thwarting explosives from crossing our borders,” said Andrei-Cristian Pârvu, General Director of the National Customs Imaging Analysis Center within the Romanian Customs Authority. “We are committed to ensuring secure borders for the benefit of the European Community and look forward to executing on this mission.”

The MX908 can confidently identify chemical substances within seconds, all directly within the field, empowering customs officials to make swift, informed decisions during inspections. The MX908 is set apart by its ability to detect trace levels of substances on the exterior of vehicles, containers and packages, providing officers with critical information to initiate secondary screenings that may lead to the discovery of larger quantities of drugs or explosives.

“As customs and borders agencies are faced with increasing challenges daily, they need technologies that can detect unseen threats and provide actionable intelligence,” said Kevin J. Knopp, CEO and Co-founder, 908 Devices. “The Romanian Customs Authority has taken a proactive step to arm its officers with fast, trace chemical identification, and we are committed to supporting their efforts to ensure enhanced safety and security at the border.”

The order was made through an EU program, Customs Control Equipment Instrument, that enables member states to purchase, maintain and upgrade state-of-the-art customs equipment. The order, secured through 908 Devices’ channel partner, MATE-FIN, was received and shipped at the end of last year, with training and deployment conducted in early 2025.

For more information about how the MX908 is used for Customs and Borders applications, visit https://908devices.com/applications/customs-and-borders.

Kromek Group plc, a leading developer of radiation and bio-detection technology solutions for the advanced imaging and CBRN detection segments, is pleased to announce that it has received two orders to supply its D3 series of detectors for use by a European and a US customer.   

The orders, valued together at approximately $900k, are for immediate delivery. The European customer is dedicated to fostering civilian science and technology partnerships aimed at mitigating global CBRN security risks and advancing non-proliferation efforts. The US customer is a leading supplier of integrated products working in the defence and security sector with a history of implementing innovative security solutions. 

The customers will receive the Group’s D3 series of detectors to enhance their capabilities in the timely detection of radiation levels, as well as to facilitate data collection and processing and real-time data transmission. This will enable better informed decision-making and rapid responses to potential threats to national safety and security.

Arnab Basu, Chief Executive Officer of Kromek, said: “We are pleased to announce the receipt of these new orders that underscore our continued commitment to providing advanced detection solutions for emergency response services. Our proprietary technology is instrumental in mitigating radiological and nuclear threats through rapid, reliable detection and real-time data transmission capabilities.

“In an environment marked by ongoing geopolitical uncertainty, demand for our solutions continues to grow, highlighting Kromek’s vital role in supporting global safety and security efforts. These orders reflect the increasing trust in our innovative technologies and further solidify Kromek’s position as a leading provider in the critical security market.”

The Norwegian CBRN & EP School recently hosted the 19th CBRN International Commandant and Commanders Conference in Oslo, from 5 – 8 May 2025, and was a complete success.

The conference was led by LtCol Anders Kildal and moderated by cavalry captain Vigdis Holaker-Svanholm. The main topics for this iteration were the Nordic countries CBRN and their approach to the total Defence systems.

Throughout the Conference there were presentations from the JCBRN COE, and the COE for Cold Weather Operations in Norway. The Nordic countries presented their Armed Forces, and their CBRN education and system. As a continuation of this, captain Holaker-Svanholm, presented the status and planning for the Nordic CBRN exercise RECCEX to be held in Norway the two first weeks of September 2026.

Colonel Thomas Lamke, the Swedish national CBRN defence centre presented the new live agent training facilities in Umeå.

The total defence system was presented by The Swedish Civil Contingencies Agency (MSB) who is responsible for helping society prepare for major accidents, crises and the consequences of war in Sweden. The Norwegian Directorate for Civil Protection (DSB) who have an overview of risk and vulnerability in society and is a driving force in the work to prevent accidents, crises and other undesirable incidents presented.

The national civil defence commissioner & chief of the civil defence Øistein Knudsen described the Norwegian civil defence. How they have shifted from focusing on disaster, wildfires etc for the last decade, and have shifted back to preparedness for war. Further describing the growth of the civil defence and cooperation with the armed forces on exercise and education.

Colonel Frode Østreng medical inspector of the army Described the challenges of medical evacuation in Norway, and how CBRN complicates this even more. His focus was on the importance of basic skills, triage and the need for united effort, the ability to be flexible, enforce resilience and the need for continuous improvement

On the 6th of May the Norwegian Chief of Defence visited the conference for about an hour, talking about international cooperation within the alliance and with partner nations. He discussed the changes in operations and warfare for the last three years, and shared ideas for the future. At the end of the visit, he opened the floor for questions from the participants.

SIGA recently published an article in The Parliament magazine talking about how as the EU develops its medical countermeasures and stockpiling strategy, it is vital to include both vaccines and antivirals to quickly respond to future outbreaks. SIGA explores why smallpox still poses a danger and outlines a strategic roadmap for strengthening global biodefense. By learning from history, embracing a dual approach leveraging antivirals alongside vaccines, and fostering comprehensive and coordinated preparedness, we can reinforce our defenses and better prepare against future biological threats.

The full piece can be read at The Parliament here 

Polska wersja programu HIC 2025 dostępna tutaj HIC Programme - Polish

908 Devices Inc., a pioneer of purpose-built handheld devices for chemical analysis, announced that its devices for rapid chemical detection at the point of need are being included in strategic stockpiles within Europe as part of rescEU, an EU-funded project that is establishing a reserve of disaster response capabilities. These reserves include stockpiles of chemical, biological, radiation and nuclear (CBRN) capabilities for detection, sampling, identification and monitoring due to unintentional disasters or intentional attacks.

Over the past six months, the Company has shipped multiple devices to European Union member states utilizing rescEU funds. Shipments include:

• The Czech Fire Brigade, part of the integrated emergency rescue system that covers the Czech Republic, received 12 devices across two product lines: XplorIR, for real-time identification and quantification of over 5,000 gases and vapors, and ThreatID, for identification of more than 28,600 unknown solids, liquids, and gases.
• The Finnish rescEU project purchased a significant amount of ProtectIR handheld FTIR analyzers, with partial unit shipments in Q4 2024 and the remaining units shipped in Q1 2025. ProtectIR enables rapid identification of more than 23,000 bulk solid and liquid chemical substances. The Finnish rescEU project is carried out by the National Emergency Supply Agency, the Finnish Institute for Health and Welfare, the Radiation and Nuclear Safety Authority, the Ministry of the Interior, and Ministry of Social Affairs and Health.

“The ability to rapidly identify unknown threats in the field is critical to modern disaster response,” said Kevin J. Knopp, CEO and Co-Founder of 908 Devices. “We are proud to support efforts to equip frontline teams across Europe with advanced chemical detection technologies.”

As disaster preparedness efforts continue to expand, 908 Devices remains committed to delivering innovative solutions that protect first responders and communities worldwide.

For more information about 908 Devices and its suite of handheld devices for chemical analysis, visit www.908devices.com.