Context
The Indian Army has signed a contract with M/s L&T Ltd for the procurement of 223 Automatic Chemical Agent Detection and Alarm (ACADA) systems worth Rs 80.43 crore under the Buy Indian (IDDM) category. This move aligns with the Atmanirbhar Bharat initiative, as over 80% of the system’s components are sourced locally.
· The Buy (Indian-IDDM) category ensures that procurement is made from Indian vendors, requiring a minimum of 50% indigenous content (IC) on a cost basis, thereby strengthening domestic defense manufacturing.
How ACADA Works
Designed and developed by the Defence Research and Development Establishment (DRDO), Gwalior, the ACADA system is a significant step in India's indigenization efforts within the CBRN (Chemical, Biological, Radiological, and Nuclear) domain.
· The ACADA system detects chemical warfare agents (CWA) and toxic industrial chemicals (TICs) by continuously sampling surrounding air.
· It operates on the principle of Ion Mobility Spectrometry (IMS), employing two highly sensitive IMS cells to ensure continuous detection and simultaneous monitoring of hazardous substances.
· This technology enhances the Indian Army’s ability to detect and respond to CBRN threats, supporting both peacetime disaster relief operations and combat scenarios involving chemical warfare.
The Growing Threat of CBRN Weapons
The potential acquisition and use of Weapons of Mass Destruction (WMD) by non-state actors, such as terrorist groups, pose a serious threat to global security. With advancements in technology and access to both legal and illegal commercial channels, CBRN materials—including corrosive chemicals, biological toxins, and radioactive substances—have become increasingly accessible. These agents can cause severe injury, death, and long-term environmental damage when inhaled, ingested, or absorbed.
Historical instances of CBRN weapon use include:
- World War I – Large-scale chemical warfare.
- Iran-Iraq War – Extensive use of chemical agents.
- Tokyo Subway Sarin Attack (1995) – A deadly terrorist attack.
- Anthrax Letters in the U.S. (2001) – Bioterrorism using anthrax spores.
Such incidents underscore the devastating impact of CBRN weapons, necessitating robust detection, prevention, and response mechanisms.
International Efforts against CBRN Threats
The international community has developed several legal instruments to counter CBRN terrorism. Of the 19 international legal frameworks against terrorism, seven specifically address CBRN threats. These include conventions on:
- Nuclear material protection
- Suppression of terrorist bombings
- Prevention of acts of nuclear terrorism
These agreements aim to limit the proliferation and misuse of CBRN materials by state and non-state actors.
Conclusion
The Indian Army’s acquisition of ACADA systems is a critical step in strengthening the country’s defense against chemical warfare and CBRN terrorism. By integrating advanced detection capabilities, India is reinforcing its military preparedness while ensuring civilian safety against evolving threats.
