General Atomics

Smiths Detection LCDs selected by JMOD

Smiths Detection is to supply LCD 4 personal chemical detectors to the Japan Ministry of Defense (JMOD) for deployment via its Ground Self-Defense Force (JGSDF).


 
Image courtesy Smiths Detection

 
Following an extensive and competitive product evaluation by the JMOD, the LCD3.3 and LCD 4 were chosen for their performance, flexibility and easy integration into the JMOD system.  
 
Dr Sarah Robinson, Portfolio Director – CBRNE at Smiths Detection said: “The JMOD’s decision to invest in this technology underlines the LCD’s status as the most widely deployed personal chemical detector in armed forces across the globe.

“We are customising this new consignment to meet the specific detection demands of the JMOD and, of course, to include a Japanese language option.”
 
Compact and wearable, the LCD 4 provides advanced warnings, detecting and identifying gas and vapour threats at or below immediate danger to life and health (IDLH) levels. Using the latest Ion Mobility Spectrometry (IMS) technology, it can determine the agent or type, class, concentration and dosage of chemical exposure.
 
In the future, a simple XID add-on could expand the gas and vapour detection capabilities to include solid and liquid sampling; plus detection of narcotics, explosives and low-volatility chemical traces such as Novichok (a new chemical warfare agent).
 
Handled locally by Smiths Detection’s distribution partner, S.T. Japan, the contract includes a total of 462 units with delivery staggered between January and March 2025 and January 2026.

Related

NCC to lead business support for Greater South West robotics hub
GSWRAH
NCC to lead business support for Greater South West robotics hub
The UK's National Composites Centre (NCC) is to going to help businesses across the Greater South West navigate the challenges and opportunities of robotics and automation through a new £9.8 million regional programme.
Aerospace Defence

12 Oct 2026

Edgewing opens engineering hub in Italy with UK site to follow
The GCAP fighter jet
Edgewing opens engineering hub in Italy with UK site to follow
The first of three engineering hubs designed to support the development of the future GCAP fighter has opening, with similar sites in the UK and Japan coming soon.
Aerospace Defence

9 Oct 2026

Marshall Aerospace begins new chapter as Aurelius acquisition completes
Marshall Aerospace C-130s
Marshall Aerospace begins new chapter as Aurelius acquisition completes
The completion of AURELIUS' acquisition of Marshall Aerospace marks a new chapter in the company's illustrious history, which spans more than a century of engineering excellence, innovation and service.
Avon Protection secures US military order for MITR System
Avon Protection’s MITR System
Avon Protection secures US military order for MITR System
The United States Department of War (DoW) has placed an order for Avon Protection’s MITR System for its Special Operations Forces, becoming the second Five Eyes (FVEY) nation to adopt the system.
NCC to lead business support for Greater South West robotics hub
GSWRAH
NCC to lead business support for Greater South West robotics hub
The UK's National Composites Centre (NCC) is to going to help businesses across the Greater South West navigate the challenges and opportunities of robotics and automation through a new £9.8 million regional programme.
Aerospace Defence

12 Oct 2026

IFS identifies £1bn a year yet to be funded in UK defence investment plans
Exiting a Land Rover Defender Wolf, members of the 3rd Battalion, Parachute Regiment, British Army, demonstrate a vehicle checkpoint security for the Marines of 2nd Battalion, 6th Marines, at landing strip Viper, in support of Operation IRAQI FREEDOM.
IFS identifies £1bn a year yet to be funded in UK defence investment plans
The Institute for Fiscal Studies has identified a £1 billion annual funding gap in the UK's Defence Investment Plan ahead of the Autumn Budget.
Defence

12 Oct 2026

UK and Germany back SaxaVord in new European space launch deal
SaxaVord Spaceport, Shetland
UK and Germany back SaxaVord in new European space launch deal
The UK and Germany have agreed to deepen space launch cooperation, with Scotland's SaxaVord Spaceport securing European access to orbit.
Aerospace Defence Space

9 Oct 2026

Excelerate Technology to build UK CNI robotic security solution
Satellite in Earth orbit
Excelerate Technology to build UK CNI robotic security solution
In a project co-funded by the European Space Agency Business Applications and Space Solutions (ESA BASS) and supported by the UK Space Agency, Excelerate Technology will build and demonstrate how space-enabled assets can provide innovative safety and security solutions, including protection of Critical National Infrastructure (CNI) at a site in the UK.
World Space Week: How British technology will help ESA return to the Moon
ESA Argonaut
World Space Week: How British technology will help ESA return to the Moon
As Europe prepares to return to the Moon, British-developed LEIA LiDAR technology will help ESA's Argonaut lander autonomously identify safe touchdown zones on the lunar surface.
Space

5 Oct 2026

Avon Protection secures US military order for MITR System
Avon Protection’s MITR System
Avon Protection secures US military order for MITR System
The United States Department of War (DoW) has placed an order for Avon Protection’s MITR System for its Special Operations Forces, becoming the second Five Eyes (FVEY) nation to adopt the system.
Sentinel Photonics brings multiple laser detection sensors into one hub
Sentinel Photonics' LASARD MAX Connect
Sentinel Photonics brings multiple laser detection sensors into one hub
With one single hub that joins up laser detection sensors, operators can now see, share and act on laser threats across a wide area in real time.
Big cargo drones complete first BVLOS delivery to North Sea wind farm
Skyports and Ørsted North Sea wind farm cargo drone trial
Big cargo drones complete first BVLOS delivery to North Sea wind farm
Skyports and Ørsted conducted a complex North Sea cargo drone trial, illustrating how heavy loads can safely and efficiently be delivered offshore beyond visual line of sight (BVLOS).
Aerospace Security

9 Oct 2026