Smiths Detection Wins $30 Million Order for Enhanced Joint Chemical Agent Detectors

Smiths Detection has been awarded a $30 million order for the United States Department of Defense’s Joint Chemical Agent Detector (JCAD) program.

The latest order for the enhanced M4A1 JCADs, which started delivery in April 2011, takes the total awarded to Smiths Detection to more than $350 million under the long-running JCAD program.

The M4A1 JCAD is based on Smiths Detection's LCD 3.3, an advanced, detect-to-warn device that protects troops or emergency responders by sampling the air for chemical warfare agents and toxic industrial chemicals. Weighing less than two pounds, it can be worn or carried by troops without obstructing their primary duties. The order represents the DoD’s first significant order based on the new LCD 3.3. Previous awards were based on its predecessor, the LCD 3.2e.

“This award for enhanced JCAD systems underscores Smiths Detection’s continued global leadership in the development of chemical detection technologies. It’s also a well-deserved win for our outstanding American manufacturing team and the work they are doing to continually enhance our technologies to better support and protect U.S. troops,” said Tim Picciotti, vice president, global programs and USA country head for Smiths Detection.

Smiths Detection recently expanded its Edgewood, Md. facility partly to help meet demand from the U.S. military for the JCAD program. Smiths Detection’s customers in the U.S. include the Department of Defense, homeland security authorities, customs and emergency responders. The Edgewood facility, which employs almost 250 people, is its main manufacturing plant for a range of threat detection systems for explosives, chemicals and biological warfare agents.

Its other main U.S. sites are in Connecticut, Massachusetts, New York, New Jersey, Rhode Island, Tennessee and Virginia. The company is part of the global Smiths Group which employs more than 9,000 people in the United States, its biggest market.

Featured

  • Security Industry Association Announces the 2026 Security Megatrends

    The Security Industry Association (SIA) has identified and forecasted the 2026 Security Megatrends, which form the basis of SIA’s signature annual Security Megatrends report defining the top 10 factors influencing both near- and long-term change in the global security industry. Read Now

  • The Future of Access Control: Cloud-Based Solutions for Safer Workplaces

    Access controls have revolutionized the way we protect our people, assets and operations. Gone are the days of cumbersome keychains and the security liabilities they introduced, but it’s a mistake to think that their evolution has reached its peak. Read Now

  • A Look at AI

    Large language models (LLMs) have taken the world by storm. Within months of OpenAI launching its AI chatbot, ChatGPT, it amassed more than 100 million users, making it the fastest-growing consumer application in history. Read Now

  • First, Do No Harm: Responsibly Applying Artificial Intelligence

    It was 2022 when early LLMs (Large Language Models) brought the term “AI” into mainstream public consciousness and since then, we’ve seen security corporations and integrators attempt to develop their solutions and sales pitches around the biggest tech boom of the 21st century. However, not all “artificial intelligence” is equally suitable for security applications, and it’s essential for end users to remain vigilant in understanding how their solutions are utilizing AI. Read Now

  • Improve Incident Response With Intelligent Cloud Video Surveillance

    Video surveillance is a vital part of business security, helping institutions protect against everyday threats for increased employee, customer, and student safety. However, many outdated surveillance solutions lack the ability to offer immediate insights into critical incidents. This slows down investigations and limits how effectively teams can respond to situations, creating greater risks for the organization. Read Now

New Products

  • Automatic Systems V07

    Automatic Systems V07

    Automatic Systems, an industry-leading manufacturer of pedestrian and vehicle secure entrance control access systems, is pleased to announce the release of its groundbreaking V07 software. The V07 software update is designed specifically to address cybersecurity concerns and will ensure the integrity and confidentiality of Automatic Systems applications. With the new V07 software, updates will be delivered by means of an encrypted file.

  • Compact IP Video Intercom

    Viking’s X-205 Series of intercoms provide HD IP video and two-way voice communication - all wrapped up in an attractive compact chassis.

  • 4K Video Decoder

    3xLOGIC’s VH-DECODER-4K is perfect for use in organizations of all sizes in diverse vertical sectors such as retail, leisure and hospitality, education and commercial premises.