Advancing UK Aerospace, Defence, Security & Space Solutions Worldwide
  • Home
  • /
  • Defence
  • /
  • Smiths Detection secures IDIQ contract to manufacture JCAD SLA for DoD

Defence Security

Smiths Detection secures IDIQ contract to manufacture JCAD SLA for DoD

Smiths Detection Inc. (SDI) will initiate manufacturing of a Solid Liquid Adapter (SLA) for the Joint Chemical Agent Detector (JCAD), following an indefinite delivery/indefinite quantity (IDIQ) award, worth potentially $90.8 million over a maximum nine year ordering period, with the US Department of Defense (DoD).



Above: The JCAD Solid Liquid Adapter (SLA) expands capability to detect and identify opioids, explosives and non-traditional warfare agents with currently fielded detectors
.
Courtesy Smiths Detection

The SLA adds new and expanded detection and identification capabilities to Joint Chemical Agent Detectors (JCAD), one of the DoD’s largest chemical detection programmes in history.

Advertisement
ODU RT

JCAD fitted with an SLA (JCAD SLA) gives the SLA operator the ability to both test for illicit drugs, including opioids such as fentanyl, and detect explosive compounds – without compromising the conventional chemical warfare agent detection capability of the JCAD.

Speaking about the newly developed technology, Smiths Detection Inc. President, Shan Hood, said: “The SLA leverages existing technology, extending both capabilities and the life-cycle of widely deployed detection devices.  It is an example of how Smiths Detection applies innovative technology and digital applications to help customers maximise the investments they make today, while preparing for the future.”

The JCAD is based on SDI’s Lightweight Chemical Detector (LCD) product line of advanced, easy-to-use and lightweight threat detection devices that are hand-held or easily strapped to a belt. The LCD is a cost-effective and reliable solution that protects military personnel, police and HazMat responders by alerting operators to toxic substances and dangerous chemicals detected.

Advertisement
PTC rectangle

 

Advertisement
Gulfstream banner
HMS Active completes float off feat

Defence Events

HMS Active completes float off feat

30 March 2026

Building on the momentum of February's dual milestone event at Babcock’s Rosyth site, the Type 31 frigate programme has reached another significant stage, with HMS Active completing the float-off process.

Lockheed Martin joins MTC as Tier 1 member

Defence

Lockheed Martin joins MTC as Tier 1 member

30 March 2026

Lockheed Martin has joined the Manufacturing Technology Centre (MTC) as a Tier 1 member which will see it collaborate on core research, capabilities and investments and play a key role in managing projects that address some of the pressing challenges being faced by defence industry supply chains.

RFA Lyme Bay gets mine hunting tech upgrade

Defence

RFA Lyme Bay gets mine hunting tech upgrade

30 March 2026

The Royal Navy is stepping up its mine hunting capabilities with new cutting-edge uncrewed equipment being added to RFA Lyme Bay in the coming days.

British Army retire Land Rover fleet

Defence

British Army retire Land Rover fleet

30 March 2026

British soldiers will use a new fleet of thousands of modern vehicles, following the start of the retirement of the iconic Land Rover fleet earlier this month, after 70 years of service.

Advertisement
ODU RT
James Heappey joins NAD Board

Defence

James Heappey joins NAD Board

30 March 2026

Former British Minister of State for the Armed Forces from 2020 to 2024 The Rt Hon Major James Heappey has joined the board of Swedish defence tech startup Nordic Air Defence (NAD), developers of the K100XR drone interceptor for civilian and military use.

BAE Systems partners with Scale AI on agentic AI for defence

Defence

BAE Systems partners with Scale AI on agentic AI for defence

27 March 2026

BAE Systems and Scale AI have announced a strategic relationship agreement to accelerate the development and fielding of advanced artificial intelligence capabilities in support of the US Department of War’s (DoW) high-stakes mission environments and operational platforms.

Advertisement
PTC rectangle
Advertisement
Gulfstream banner