Persistent Systems, LLC (“Persistent”), a leader in mobile ad hoc network (MANET) technology, announced today that the Joint Program Executive Office for Chemical, Biological, Radiological and Nuclear Defense (JPEO-CBRND) has selected its Wave Relay® MANET as the data link to connect U.S. Army CBRNE sensors to operators as part of the Dismounted Reconnaissance Sets, Kits and Outfits (DRSKO) program.

The contract includes the delivery of MPU5 networking devices and associated equipment.

“Providing JPEO-CBRND with advanced networking capabilities ensures seamless integration between CBRNE sensors and command posts, and operators for the real-time transfer of critical data beyond just voice,” said Damien Mason, Director of Army Strategy at Persistent Systems. “This program represents a significant modernization effort for the Army’s CBRNE community, enabling faster and safer threat detection.”

This initiative aligns with the Army’s strategy to enhance real-time threat detection and data-sharing capabilities. By leveraging the Wave Relay MANET, warfighters receive instant notifications of CBRNE threats, with all critical information accessible on the Android Tactical Assault Kit (ATAK). The MANET eliminates delays traditionally associated with situational reports (SITREPs), ensuring that teams can respond rapidly and decisively to hazardous conditions.

“Instead of waiting for a call or SITREP, our MANET delivers sensor data directly to decision-makers, enabling real-time responses and ensuring team safety even in extreme environments, such as tunnels and confined spaces,” Mason added.

The Wave Relay MANET, built into MPU5 networking devices, creates a highly scalable, self-forming, and self-healing network that places operators, sensors, and platforms on a common, peer-to-peer network for seamless sharing of voice, video, text, sensor, and GPS data. The Wave Relay MANET enables universal data sharing across Wi-Fi, Serial, and Ethernet-enabled sensors to detect and counter weapons of mass destruction.

“This selection underscores Persistent’s position as the network of choice for defense modernization, homeland security, and force protection initiatives,” Mason said.

Delivery is already underway.

Researchers at Sandia National Laboratories have spent the last three years developing an ultra-low-power chemical sensor to detect sarin and other chemical warfare agents or gaseous industrial toxins, aiming to protect the public and warfighters.

“When we’re thinking about ultra-low-power electronics, we want to install a sensor and leave it in the field for a long time,” said Mieko Hirabayashi, a Sandia microelectronics engineer and project lead. “We don’t want to worry about replacing the batteries often.”

Spongey sensor for sarin

The sensing component consists of a porous, sponge-like material designed to chemically trap sarin and its chemical cousins. This porous material, called a sol-gel, resembles spray insulation foam. The precursor chemicals are sprayed from a specialized nozzle onto a structure resembling two metal combs with interleaved teeth called an interdigitated electrode, said Philip Miller, a Sandia biomedical engineer on the project. The coated electrode is heated, causing the carrier liquid to evaporate, creating an open “popped bubble” structure.

“The porosity of the material creates more spots for the chemical of interest to land on,” Miller said. “The more molecules the sensor can measure, the faster the alert it can provide. ”

When a molecule of sarin binds to the sol-gel between the electrode’s teeth, the material’s electric properties change. This property, called capacitance, is detected by the rest of the sensor using minimal power, Miller said.

The team also explored using a different electrical measurement called impedance, which uses more power but is more selective. This would be valuable if the chemical of concern is similar to common airborne chemicals, Hirabayashi said.

The development of the sol-gel material was funded by Sandia’s Laboratory Directed Research and Development program in an earlier project.

Converting chemical to electronic signals

The Sandia team collaborated with a professor and graduate student at the University of Virginia to design a readout integrated circuit that can detect changes in the sol-gel and convert them into useful signals while consuming minimal power, Hirabayashi said. This was important because a readout integrated circuit typically consumes the most power in a sensor system, said Jesse Moody, a Sandia sensor engineer who led the circuit design.

“Essentially, we needed to develop a device that can detect very minute changes in that capacitive sensing film and convert that into useful digital information in an extremely low-power manner,” Moody said. “That was the main electronics challenge of the project.”

The circuit was designed using structures on the scale of 65 nanometers, 1,500 times smaller than a human hair and three times smaller than the smallest transistor available from Sandia’s Microsystems Engineering, Science and Applications Complex’s fabrication facilities. This size was chosen to allow the sensor system to operate faster while using less power, Hirabayashi said.

The circuit can quickly check the status of 10 chemical sensing channels in a few thousandths of a second, Moody said. The development of the ultra-low-power readout integrated circuit built on prior LDRD and Department of Defense projects in low-power sensing, he added.

Testing the full sensor

The final monolithic sensor system measured 1 by 1 inch, while the heterogeneous test system was 10 times larger, Hirabayashi said. She added that had the team optimized the heterogeneous sensor system, they could have reduced its size to about twice that of the monolithic sensor.

The monolithic sensor system used 30.9 nanowatts of power per sensing channel and had an area of 43 microns per channel. It ultimately consumed slightly more power per channel than the heterogeneous system due to a power leakage issue that the team didn’t have time to fully resolve, Hirabayashi said. Once they optimize the monolithic system further, it should use less power than the heterogeneous system because direct connections require less power.

Since the proof-of-concept sensor system was successful, the team is exploring additional funding sources to continue developing ultra-low-power, long-lasting chemical sensors, Hirabayashi said. The sensor system could be adapted with other chemically selective materials to detect multiple chemicals of concern in the same device, Miller said.

The project was funded by Sandia’s LDRD program

Smiths Detection, a threat detection and security screening technologies company, recently announced it will supply SDX 6040 X-ray inspection systems to several major cruise lines.

“At Smiths Detection, we serve customers in a wide range of market sectors, with a significant focus on cruise lines,” Matthias Springer, Smiths Detection vice president of sales said. “The SDX 6040 is revolutionizing maritime security, providing our customers with the highest levels of safety and assurance while maintaining efficient throughput of passengers. With superior image quality, portability, and flexibility, it is an ideal solution for the dynamic environments of cruise ships”

The SDX 6040 screening system is capable of screening a large volumes of luggage with the goal of minimizing delays and maintaining smooth operations. The system enables operators to quickly screen bags by providing a 100 percent view of every item, eliminating blind spots. It also can detect prohibited items such as currency, lithium batteries, weapons, and hazardous goods.

The smart image display includes organic stripping and enhancement modes. The system is small enough to fit through a standard door, making it easy to maneuver onboard and store.

Smiths Detection provides detection systems for the threat and illegal passage of biological agents, contraband, explosives, narcotics, toxic chemicals, and weapons.

Originally published by the BBC

Innovation in the fire service is a continuous journey, where changing customer needs are driving forces in developing the newest safety solutions. For MSA Safety (NYSE: MSA), that means taking the best and making it even better with the latest edition of its market-leading self-contained breathing apparatus (SCBA) and designing an all-new turnout jacket. This week at FDIC International, MSA Safety will do just that by announcing the MSA G1 SCBA XR Edition and all-new Globe G-XTREME PRO Jacket.

The G1 SCBA XR Edition and G-XTREME Pro Jacket join the MSA Cairns 1836 Fire Helmet as a trio of new fire service safety innovations introduced by MSA Safety in just the past year. These build on the growing list of solutions designed to help protect firefighters and enhance safety by assisting with accountability and situational awareness.

“Our customers drive our innovation and lead us to design safety solutions that best meet their safety needs,” said Stephanie Sciullo, President of MSA Americas. “In the past decade the fire service has evolved, and so has MSA by bringing new safety solutions to the market. As the leader in head-to-toe firefighter protection, we’re committed to helping advance firefighter safety, and we’ll continue to evolve and innovate by designing the next generation of safety equipment.”

Building on 10 years of continuous innovation, the MSA G1 SCBA XR Edition is the latest evolution of the G1 SCBA, featuring enhancements to the breathing air regulator and to various soft goods, including the straps, lumbar pad, and emergency and quick-fill pouches. All soft goods are removable for easy cleaning, and all enhancements are backwards-compatible to existing G1 SCBA units. The G1 SCBA XR Edition will be available for order beginning in May.

With 15 U.S. patents, the G1 SCBA has a broad range of innovative features to enhance firefighter safety, comfort, situational awareness and operational efficiency, including standard voice amplification and radio interface capability, an advanced electronics platform powered by a single rechargeable battery, and an integrated telemetry solution.

The Globe G-XTREME PRO Jacket features a unique, three-panel outer shell design that includes a mesh feature in the liner to reduce bulk and help maximize comfort and mobility; a redesigned collar; and new length options to accommodate a wide range of body types and additional flexibility in design specifications. This new jacket from Globe Manufacturing Company will be available for order later this year.

MSA will also feature its Cairns line of fire helmets and FireGrid applications platform at FDIC this year. In addition to the Cairns 1836 Fire Helmet, one of lightest traditional-style fire helmets available to meet National Fire Protection Association (NFPA) standards, various traditional and rescue-style helmets will be on display. The cloud-connected capabilities of FireGrid will also be highlighted, featuring applications that help to digitize manual tasks and empower firefighters to use available device and personnel data to make more informed decisions on- and off-scene.

“Our mission is to help firefighters stay safe and accounted for by designing protective equipment and connected solutions that are consistent and easy to use,” said Bob Apel, MSA Safety Executive Director, Global Fire Service and Digital Experience. “We take an integrated approach to developing our safety solutions and work to provide practical, streamlined equipment that elevates firefighter safety.”

Teledyne FLIR Defense, part of Teledyne Technologies Incorporated (NYSE:TDY), announced it has been awarded a four year, $74.2 million contract by the U.S. Army for continued development of the next-generation mounted reconnaissance capability for the M1135 Stryker’s Nuclear, Biological and Chemical Reconnaissance Vehicle (NBCRV) Sensor Suite Upgrade Program.

Teledyne FLIR is lead integrator in modernizing the NBCRV sensor suite system with an improved and autonomous suite of chemical, biological, radiological and nuclear (CBRN) sensors. Among other third-party solutions, the Sensor Suite features the FLIR Defense R80D SkyRaider™ drone integrated with FLIR’s MUVE™ B330 biological detection payload designed for small unmanned aerial systems. Also, a FLIR-developed command and control system combines all devices and platforms with sensor fusion and automation features that reduce cognitive burden and improve decision-making.

Last year, the company delivered initial Sensor Suite upgrade prototypes for government testing, and successful results led to a $168 million production award in November. This new contract calls for FLIR Defense to develop an expanded Sensor Suite upgrade design (Capability Set 2.2), deliver six prototypes, and provide added support for government testing. Among its many improvements, the upgrade will include advanced sensing capabilities, autonomous SkyRaider flight control, and hazard prediction software upgrades.

“By continuing to enhance sensor capabilities on NBCRV, we can help ensure future warriors will be ready to detect and respond effectively to a wide range of deadly agents,” said Dr. JihFen Lei, president of Teledyne FLIR Defense. “We’re proud to expand our support on this vital U.S. Army program and to know that our drone, remote sensing, and integrated solutions are playing a major role to improve standoff and situational awareness.”

Work on the NBCRV program is expected to continue through 2028 at FLIR Defense facilities in Stillwater, Okla.; Elkridge, Md; and Tucson, Ariz. To learn more about the company’s extensive CBRN and explosive detection technologies, visit here.

Multi-gas meters serve as an invaluable resource to monitor the environment and aid in the safe operations of technical rescue teams, firefighters, HazMat crews and industrial personnel especially when working in confined spaces. Realistic, hands-on HazMat training is now widely regarded as being an invaluable tool in preparing users for the operational challenges of real-life hazardous material incidents.

Argon's new Generic MultiGAS-SIM is a highly configurable simulator, enabling HazMat instructors to select the quantity and type of simulated sensor and present their screen layout to represent operational equipment. You can also set activation levels to align with local practice, enabling instructors to deliver an enhanced level of multi-gas training capability by realistically simulating the functionality and responses of up to six different simulation sensor types, including O2 and LEL.

The Generic MultiGAS-SIM mimics the operation of real gas detectors, providing trainees with practical, hands-on and customisable training for a wide range of hazardous environments and operational conditions.

Responding to Argon’s standard, easy to use simulation Long Range Vapour Source (LRVS) gas emitters, signals are detectable up to 30 meters (95 feet). The simulation sources can be deployed in the open or within confined spaces and are programmable to represent a wide range of hazardous substances and scenarios, including the depletion of O2.

Compatible with PlumeSIM, Argon’s world leading wide-area CBRN / HazMat training system, the Generic MultiGAS SIM works seamlessly with our extensive range of simulation Chemical Warfare Agent and Toxic Industrial Chemical simulators.

Argon founder and Managing Director, Steven Pike commented: “Our engineering team have created a superb training asset which will benefit many thousands of responders and industrial facilities worldwide to help ensure they understand the critical procedures associated with readings that can be obtained when operating within a hazardous environment. Customer response to the effectiveness and ease of use of the simulator has been extremely encouraging and we look forward to great success with MultiGAS-SIM”.

Argon simulators have transformed CBRN and HazMat training enabling safe, environmentally friendly training exercises to be set up with ease and in minutes permitting exercises to take place how, where and when you want.

U.K.-based nonwovens producer is Nonwovenn is investing £1.5 million in its ProTech division to strengthen its market-leading position in personal protection and harm reduction. The investment is part of a long-term growth strategy, with a business unit target of £16 million turnover by 2028.
 
A major focus of the investment is in the research and development of CBRN (chemical, biological, radiological, and nuclear) protective solutions for first responder and military safety and protective clothing. Nonwovenn is also working closely with ministries of defence, and first responders across the globe. To support this ambitious growth, Nonwovenn has strengthened its specialist team with four key appointments, expert recruits with considerable understanding and experience.
 
Nonwovenn is also making significant strides in product innovation, with new CBRN solutions set to launch throughout 2025 and 2026. Among these are advancements in protection systems for firefighters focused on volatile organic compound (VOC) filtration, as well as next-generation protective solutions tailored towards military and first responders.
 
“This is an exciting time at Nonwovenn," says Andrew Fisher, head of ProTech at Nonwovenn. "Not only are we investing in cutting-edge R&D, but we’re also building a strong team to bring these innovations to market and fully support our customers. By combining our advanced technology with real-world application insight, we are setting new standards in personal protection and harm reduction.”
 
Nonwovenn chairman, David Lamb added; “Our focus on growth, innovation and talent acquisition reflects our commitment to advancing protective solutions for the industries that need them most," says chairman David Lamb. "With our ambitious R&D programme, strategic partnerships and industry-leading team, we’re confident in our ability to become the leading player in this segment of the market.”
 
Nonwovenn offers complete support to customers working intimately with them on new concepts, through innovation, product design, business development, commercialisation and supply of products, offering complete ‘end to end’ supply expertise. This ranges from ‘live chemical’ agent instruction, and fully planned and audited supply chain management for large and small projects in addition to its outstanding expanding portfolio of products.
 

Roke has been awarded a major multi-year contract known as Science & Technology Oriented Research & development in Missile defence (STORM), partnering with the UK Missile Defence Centre (MDC) to deliver cutting-edge research for Missile Defence. As the delivery lead for this framework contract, Roke will lead a collaborative and sovereign industry effort focused on securing the UK and its allies by countering current and future threats, including ballistic missiles and hypersonic missiles. This £251m, 6-year contract, inclusive of a 3-year extension option, will see Roke develop its role as a trusted partner to deliver MDC’s Mission through the STORM framework.

The contract will place Roke at the heart of the UK missile defence ecosystem at a pivotal moment, with Roke bringing together technical experts from across the UK’s defence industry. Over 95% of the value of this framework will be delivered by a UK workforce – which will be a critical enabler to developing, nurturing, and sustaining a UK sovereign capability and SQEP within missile defence research and development.

"We are delighted to be recognised as the right organisation to deliver STORM for the UK MDC,” said Paul MacGregor, Managing Director at Roke. “Missile defence is crucial to protecting the UK’s interests in an increasingly complex threat landscape. As adversaries develop and use more advanced capabilities, the ability to detect, identify, and defeat missile threats is essential to safeguarding the UK and its allies. At Roke, we are committed to delivering cutting-edge solutions that enhance resilience and ensure a decisive advantage in Defence.

Roke’s appointment builds on a proven track record of supporting the UK MDC on the HYPERION project, demonstrating the strength of its expertise, collaborative approach, and ability to deliver. Roke’s ability to manage complex supply chains, drive innovation, and to act as a true partner to its customers proved key to securing this contract.

“Our role in leading the STORM framework builds upon the framework management capabilities demonstrated in our role as lead for SERAPIS Lot 1, and will leverage the decades of heritage we have in helping customers solve complex problems, particularly in sensing and decision making.” said Chris Squier, Defence Business Unit Director at Roke. “STORM is yet another case of a customer valuing the way we work; the skills we can bring to bear against their problems; and trusting us to operate as their long-term partner to deliver.”

Roke’s work under STORM will not only inform critical UK defence policies and decision making across Government, but will also play a key role in developing next-generation missile defence solutions.

As worker injuries and public safety risks continue to rise, global safety technology leader Blackline Safety Corp. (TSX: BLN) has announced record growth in the number of fire hazmat customers using its connected personal and area monitors.

Worldwide, the number of Blackline fire-hazmat customers grew 175% in the last year, from 127 to 350, with thousands of users across North America, Europe, Middle East, Australia and New Zealand. Fire-hazmat teams take on some of the highest risks of any worker, with a fatal injury rate three times higher than that of the average worker. The adoption of Blackline’s cloud connected products adds another layer of safety not previously available to protect them in their jobs every day.

“Blackline’s remote monitoring capabilities allow me to log in any time and see what my guys are dealing with and then to triage what other assets are needed on the scene at any time,” said Travis Rebello, a Firefighter and Hazmat Coordinator for the City of New Bedford, Massachusetts. “I’m a big fan and appreciate Blackline’s excellent customer service.”

“The capability of real-time connected technology is no longer a luxury— it’s essential for enhancing personnel safety and saving lives,” said Doug Mayer, Fire Hazmat Business Development Specialist at Blackline Safety. “From gas leaks and chemical spill incidents of all kinds, and now gamma radiation, we’ve reimagined safety solutions to help responders deploy equipment faster, get more gas exposure information, and share data for real-time visibility.”

First EXO 8 Gamma Monitors Shipping This Month

The company also announced that the first shipments of its innovative EXO 8 Gamma area monitor will begin later this month.

“EXO 8’s gamma detection capability is a game-changer for fire and hazmat teams — not only in emergency response, but also in public event monitoring,” said Mayer.

EXO 8 is the only direct-to-cloud portable area monitor capable of detecting up to eight gases and gamma radiation simultaneously, giving teams early warning of emerging threats and ensuring faster, better-informed responses. Real-time data sharing and cloud analytics also provide critical insights to refine incident response protocols.

A Full Suite of Connected Safety Solutions

In addition to EXO 8, fire-hazmat teams continue to adopt Blackline’s broader portfolio of connected safety technologies, including:
· G7 personal gas detectors with cellular/satellite connectivity, two-way voice communication, SOS, fall and no-motion alerts, and automatic data reporting.
· G6 single gas detectors, combining real-time connectivity, automated compliance analytics and features emergency SOS.
· Blackline Live, the company’s real-time cloud platform for monitoring worker location and safety status, gas readings, and device status from any web-connected device.

Blackline to Showcase Technology at FDIC International 2025

Fire and hazmat professionals can get a firsthand look at Blackline Safety’s latest technologies at FDIC International 2025 in Indianapolis, April 7–12. As the fire industry’s largest conference and exhibition, FDIC draws thousands of fire and rescue professionals from around the world, offering live demos, hands-on training and cutting-edge safety innovations.

Attendees can visit Blackline Safety at Booth 943 to explore the latest in connected safety technology, including EXO 8 Gamma, G7 and G6 wearables, and the Blackline Platform.

Wiltshire based Avon Technologies has this morning announced that it has received two European NATO orders for personal respirators for delivery to the Armed Forces of Ukraine. The orders are for FM50 respirators and C50 protective masks. The FM50 mask is one of the most advanced military general service respiratory protection masks to date, offering significant improvement in comfort, usability, operational effectiveness and protection

The US State Department has previously accused Russian forces of using hazardous chemicals in Ukraine, including "riot control agents" such as tear gas and the toxic choking agent chloropicrin, which was first deployed in battle during World War One. In October 2024, the UK sanctioned Russian troops and their commander for violating the Chemical Weapons Convention, saying that "Russian forces have openly admitted to using hazardous chemical weapons on the battlefield".

Based in Melksham, Wiltshire, Avon Technologies provides respiratory and ballistic protection to militaries and law enforcement agencies worldwide, including supplying the UK military and US Army's gas masks.

Separately announced today Avon Protection has also signed a new multi-national framework contract from two European Navies for its MCM100 Multi-Role Rebreather, with quantities and delivery schedule to be finalised. The contract is a joint approach between these nations for MCM100 rebreather systems, related accessories, training, and maintenance and support under a 12-year program. The MCM-100 is the world's most technologically advanced underwater rebreather for militaries, commonly deployed in underwater bomb disposal and mine clearance operations. Avon already supplies the MCM100 to a number of NATO countries including Germany and New Zealand. 

Under the leadership of CEO, Jos Sclater, has made significant progress on a turnaround over the last two years, with shares rising over 55% in 2024.

Jos Sclater, CEO of Avon Technologies plc, said:

“We are proud of the contribution that Avon continues to provide to the security of NATO nations. The additional orders for provision of respiratory protection to Ukrainian war fighters and rebreathers for military divers allows both users to operate with confidence, knowing they are protected against increasingly prevalent threats in the harshest and most demanding environments.”

“We continue to deliver in accordance with our STAR strategy.  Our growing order book, progress closing our California facility and the culture, capability change and pace we are seeing as we implement continuous improvement across the Group all give us confidence for the medium term and beyond.”

Smiths Detection, a global leader in threat detection and security screening has signed an agreement with Deepnoid, a Korean specialised AI software company led by CEO Choi Woo-Sik, to test AI integration within its security screening systems. Deepnoid’s AI technology will undergo rigorous testing with Smiths Detection’s HI-SCAN 6040-2is carry-on baggage X-ray scanner, with future trials exploring its potential in Computed Tomography (CT) screening to increase detection speed, precision and efficiency. 

This collaboration supports Smiths Detection’s responsible open architecture, ensuring third-party AI solutions work seamlessly within its technology while maintaining the highest security standards. It is part of the Ada Initiative, Smiths Detection’s structured process for onboarding suppliers to ensure their hardware, software, and algorithms integrate flawlessly. By introducing AI-driven tools, this partnership strengthens threat detection while keeping security infrastructure adaptable to future risks. 

Cymoril Metivier, Global Digital Portfolio Director, Smiths Detection, commented: "We are excited to collaborate with Deepnoid as we explore new advancements in security screening. Advancing threat detection has been a key focus for Smiths Detection for years, with our iCMORE AI-driven algorithm suite using advanced object recognition to accurately detect prohibited items, weapons, lithium batteries and other dangerous goods. Driving responsible open architecture strengthens these capabilities, enabling greater flexibility to integrate new technologies. This partnership reinforces our commitment to high-performance security solutions that stay ahead of evolving threats." 

Sunghoon Eom, Country Manager – Korea, Smiths Detection Asia-Pacific Pte Ltd, commented: "We are honoured to partner with Deepnoid to advance AI-driven security screening solutions. This collaboration strengthens our regional ties and enables us to better respond to the specific AI demands of the local market. By combining expertise, we can deliver more sophisticated and effective security solutions, benefiting both Korea and the wider global market." 

Jae-Ik Cho, Executive Vice President, Deepnoid, stated: "This collaboration is a significant milestone for Deepnoid as we aim to become a game-changer in the security AI market. We will leverage our partnership with Smiths Detection to position ourselves as a leading provider of innovative AI technology in the global security screening industry." 

Deepnoid continues to expand its global footprint, developing AI solutions for healthcare and security. This partnership accelerates AI-powered security screening, ensuring faster, smarter, and more precise threat detection.  

By ensuring seamless interoperability between cutting-edge hardware, software, and AI-driven solutions, Smiths Detection continues to set the standard in global threat detection, safeguarding people and critical infrastructure worldwide. 

Through our open architecture approach, we create tailored third-party integrations, and with iCMORE, our in-house engineered suite of AI-driven threat detection solutions, we redefine security operations. Seamlessly integrated with our X-ray screening systems, iCMORE enhances detection accuracy for prohibited items, currency, weapons, lithium batteries, and other dangerous goods. By reducing operator workload, streamlining workflows, and cutting false alarms, it empowers security teams to make faster, more confident decisions. Designed to scale and evolve, iCMORE ensures that security operations stay ahead of emerging threats.