The Indian Army has taken a significant step towards enhancing its Chemical, Biological, Radiological, and Nuclear (CBRN) defence capabilities by signing a contract on 25 February 2025 for the procurement of 223 Automatic Chemical Agent Detection and Alarm (ACADA) systems. The contract, valued at ₹80.43 crore, has been awarded to Larsen & Toubro (L&T) Ltd under the Buy Indian (Indigenously Designed, Developed, and Manufactured – IDDM) category, reflecting a major boost to the Government of India’s ‘Atmanirbhar Bharat’ (self-reliant India) initiative.
The ACADA system, designed and developed by the Defence Research and Development Organisation’s (DRDO) Defence Research and Development Establishment (DRDE) in Gwalior, is a testament to India’s progress in indigenous defence technology. More than 80% of the components and sub-systems of the ACADA equipment will be sourced locally, underscoring India’s strides in reducing dependency on foreign technology and promoting local manufacturing.
Advanced technology for national defence The ACADA system is equipped with state-of-the-art Ion Mobility Spectrometry (IMS) technology and features two highly sensitive IMS cells. It is capable of detecting chemical warfare agents (CWA) and programmed toxic industrial chemicals (TICs) by continuously sampling air from the environment. The system provides real-time monitoring and early warning of harmful and toxic substances, enhancing the Indian Army’s preparedness for CBRN defence operations.
Induction of the ACADA systems into field units will not only strengthen the Indian Army’s defensive capabilities during operations but also play a crucial role in peacetime. The equipment will be instrumental in responding to disaster relief situations, particularly in industrial accident scenarios where chemical threats may be present.
A milestone in Indigenisation The procurement of the ACADA systems is a landmark achievement for the Indian defence sector, aligning with the broader national vision of self-reliance. The collaboration between DRDO and L&T Ltd demonstrates the potential of public-private partnerships in advancing India’s defence technology landscape.
The Indian Army’s focus on bolstering its CBRN defence systems reflects its proactive approach to national security and disaster management. The ACADA system’s integration is expected to provide robust support to troops on the ground, ensuring safety and operational efficiency in both combat and civilian support roles.
