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

Major drone incident could shut UK airport within five years, expert warns
Drone flying near commercial airplane
Major drone incident could shut UK airport within five years, expert warns
A major drone incident is “almost certain” to close a UK airport for a prolonged period within the next five years, according to a senior counter-UAS industry expert.
Aerospace Magazine

16 Oct 2026

Royal Navy deploys Merlin HM2 helicopters to protect UK nuclear deterrent
Image: MOD Crown Copyright/Royal Navy
Royal Navy deploys Merlin HM2 helicopters to protect UK nuclear deterrent
The Royal Navy has deployed four Merlin HM2s to Scotland to rehearse nuclear deterrent protection and demonstrate the helicopter’s advanced ASW capabilities.
Aerospace Defence

16 Oct 2026

Airport chiefs urge government to tackle business rates
Manchester Airport
Airport chiefs urge government to tackle business rates
AirportsUK chair Baroness Ruby McGregor-Smith has warned rising costs risk holding back future investment.
Aerospace

15 Oct 2026

BAE Systems to design satellite comms terminals for US Space Force
Satellite
BAE Systems to design satellite comms terminals for US Space Force
Building on its space-hardened family of software-defined radios, BAE Systems will develop resilient ultra-compact radio-frequency (RF) terminals for the US Space Force.
Defence Member News

16 Oct 2026

North Defence, Strongs launch joint venture ahead of British Army LMV competition
Image: North Defence
North Defence, Strongs launch joint venture ahead of British Army LMV competition
North Defence and Strongs have formed a UK manufacturing joint venture to support the LMV MKIII as the British Army’s £2bn LMV competition intensifies.
Defence

16 Oct 2026

UK Armed Forces dig in with new construction equipment
JCB equipment
UK Armed Forces dig in with new construction equipment
A £26 million investment in new construction and earth moving equipment is set to modernise the UK Armed Forces’ operational fleet for building new roads and bases.
Defence

16 Oct 2026

Viasat orders ALL.​SPACE Hydra MAX Terminals for Ka-band networks
ALL.SPACE Hydra
Viasat orders ALL.​SPACE Hydra MAX Terminals for Ka-band networks
Viasat has placed an order for multiple ALL.​SPACE Hydra MAX terminals approved to operate on Viasat's global NextGen Ka-band network, providing resilient SATCOM connectivity for defence and government users.
Defence Member News Space

15 Oct 2026

Cornwall Space Cluster launches £15k legal support programme for space SMEs
Goonhilly satellite near Cornwall Space Cluster
Cornwall Space Cluster launches £15k legal support programme for space SMEs
Cornwall Space Cluster has partnered with Stephens Scown to offer specialist legal advice to space businesses, helping them protect intellectual property, prepare for investment and support future growth.
Space

15 Oct 2026

ClearSpace selected to deliver UK’s first active debris removal mission
ClearSpace removing space debris
ClearSpace selected to deliver UK’s first active debris removal mission
The UK-led programme will remove two defunct satellites while creating specialist jobs, supporting supply chains and building capability in the growing in-orbit services sector.
Space

15 Oct 2026

Police officers risk accidental AI misconduct, watchdog warns
National Police Chiefs Council photo of police on duty
Police officers risk accidental AI misconduct, watchdog warns
The Independent Office for Police Conduct has warned that officers and staff risk misconduct investigations for inappropriate AI use.
Security

16 Oct 2026

NAD and CDS want accelerated capability as DSEI UK 27 launched
NAD and CDS launch DSEI UK 27
NAD and CDS want accelerated capability as DSEI UK 27 launched
As the National Armaments Director (NAD) and the Chief of the Defence Staff (CDS) launched DSEI UK 2027 yesterday, they said faster capability delivery, greater innovation and improved readiness are required to ensure the UK and its allies are suitably prepared for any future conflict.
Warwickshire Police turns to AI to review the quality of investigations
Chat with AI or Artificial Intelligence technology. Man touching chatting virtual with an intelligent artificial intelligence asks for the answers he wants. Smart assistant futuristic, Chatbot,
Warwickshire Police turns to AI to review the quality of investigations
An eight-agent system checks investigation records against policing standards, with officers retaining responsibility for decisions.
Security

14 Oct 2026