Advancing UK Aerospace, Defence, Security & Space Solutions Worldwide
  • Home
  • /
  • Security
  • /
  • Smiths Detection awarded US Customs and Border Protection contract

Security

Smiths Detection awarded US Customs and Border Protection contract

Smiths Detection announced today that it has been awarded an indefinite-delivery-indefinite-quantity (IDIQ) contract with the US Department of Homeland Security, Customs and Border Protection (CBP), including an initial order for a HCVPZ60 drive-through X-ray inspection system which will be installed at a Laredo, Texas Border Patrol checkpoint by September 2022.

Image courtesy Smiths Detection

The HCVPZ60 is a Multi-Energy Portal (MEP) consisting of transmission X-ray and backscatter systems for the fast and effective inspection of trucks, containers and other vehicles at land ports of entry for dangerous and illicit goods, including explosives, weapons and drugs. The system also validates the shipping manifest, further reducing the need for time intensive manual checks.

Advertisement
ODU RT

Equipped with a high-energy linear accelerator, the HCVP Z60 provides advanced imaging performance and reliable detection of objects even those hidden or concealed behind dense or heavy materials, with greater than 12 inches of steel penetration. A single scan can provide rapid results, allowing for a high throughput of over 100 vehicles per hour.

This contract builds on the extensive deployment of this technology by Smiths Detection, with the successful installation of 80 HCVPZ60 units to date globally.

Shan Hood, President of Smiths Detection Inc., said: “Our HCVP  Z60 is designed to meet the demands of the most complex security environments. With the deployment of this system at Laredo in Texas, US Customs and Border Protection will have the capabilities to efficiently identify and intercept threats and contraband without inhibiting the flow of goods.”

Advertisement
ODU RT

As with Smiths Detection’s IDIQ contract with CBP for rail cargo inspection solutions, this agreement allows for additional orders of the HCVPZ60 under a single contract over five years.

 

Advertisement
FIA2026 animated banner
FAC reviews TEKEVER

Aerospace Defence Security Events

FAC reviews TEKEVER's progress in the UK

7 April 2026

Senior representatives from the Farnborough Aerospace Consortium (FAC) recently visited AI-centric autonomous systems provider TEKEVER to see how the Portuguese company is progressing with its UK businesses.

Alexander Battery Technologies expands technical team

Aerospace Defence Security

Alexander Battery Technologies expands technical team

7 April 2026

UK battery pack manufacturer Alexander Battery Technologies has appointed five engineers and a project manager as it expands its technical team.

MGI conducts first TigerShark flights with Auterion

Aerospace Defence Security

MGI conducts first TigerShark flights with Auterion

2 April 2026

MGI Engineering Ltd (MGI) has announced the successful first flights of its TigerShark uncrewed deep strike platform, in partnership with Auterion.

Logiq acquires Savient

Security

Logiq acquires Savient

1 April 2026

Logiq has acquired Savient Ltd, a technology and data specialist focused on delivery in highly regulated environments, strengthening its capability and further expanding its presence in the South-West.

Advertisement
ODU RT
SIA introduces changes for close protection operatives

Security

SIA introduces changes for close protection operatives

1 April 2026

Today, the Security Industry Authority (SIA) have introduced changes to training for those holding, or applying for, a close protection licence.

NCSC warns of messaging app targeting

Security

NCSC warns of messaging app targeting

1 April 2026

Alongside international partners, the National Cyber Security Centre (NCSC) has issued actions for individuals at risk of attacks against messaging apps, as a result of growing malicious activity from Russia-based actors using messaging apps - such as WhatsApp, Messenger and Signal - to target high-risk individuals.

Advertisement
ODU RT
Advertisement
Gulfstream banner