Indian Army News – On February 25, 2025, the Indian Army signed a significant contract with Larsen & Toubro (L&T) Limited to procure 223 Automatic Chemical Agent Detection and Alarm (ACADA) systems at a cost of Rs 80.43 crore, enhancing its Chemical, Biological, Radiological, and Nuclear (CBRN) defence capabilities.
The agreement, executed under the Buy Indian (Indigenously Designed, Developed, and Manufactured) category, marks a milestone in India’s push for self-reliance in critical defence technologies.
The ACADA systems, developed by the Defence Research and Development Establishment (DRDE) in Gwalior under the Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO), are designed to detect chemical warfare agents and toxic industrial chemicals, ensuring rapid response in both wartime and peacetime scenarios.
The ACADA system employs Ion Mobility Spectrometry to continuously monitor air quality, providing early warnings against hazardous substances.
This capability is vital not only for military operations but also for disaster relief, such as industrial accidents involving chemical spills. Over 80% of the system’s components are sourced locally, aligning with the government’s Aatmanirbhar Bharat initiative.
The procurement underscores the successful collaboration between DRDO and private industry, with L&T playing a pivotal role in advancing India’s CBRN infrastructure.
This acquisition comes at a time when global security concerns highlight the importance of robust CBRN defences, particularly in light of India’s strategic environment.
The Indian Army’s investment reflects a proactive approach to modern warfare challenges, though some analysts argue that broader systemic issues, like delays in procurement processes, could hinder timely deployment.
The Ministry of Defence emphasized that the induction of ACADA systems will significantly strengthen field units, enhancing operational readiness and national security.