Smiths Detection to help protect Swedish defence forces against chemical warfare agents

Watford, UK, , 22 May 2007 - Smiths Detection, part of the global technology business Smiths Group, has been awarded a contract to supply its Lightweight Chemical Detectors (LCD) to the Swedish defence forces, under the country’s Personal Chemical Detection programme.

The LCD is a compact, wearable detector designed to provide protection for troops and civil emergency personnel.  It can detect a wide range of chemical warfare agents including nerve, blister, blood and choking agents as well as toxic industrial chemicals.  Deliveries  of the 450 LCD units plus communications and other accessories will commence this month.

The contract, which includes options for additional LCDs to meet future requirements, was awarded by FMV, the Swedish Defence Materiel Administration.  FMV, an independent, civil authority that provides the Swedish armed forces with materiel and systems, carried out extensive trials on the LCD in extreme conditions ahead of the contract award.

Smiths Detection, is a world-leading provider of x-ray technology and systems that detect and identify chemicals, biological threats and explosives. Damian Tracey, President, Smiths Detection - Military, said: “It is a major achievement to have been selected by FMV to provide this new layer of security for Sweden’s military forces. The contract is a landmark in the international deployment of this advanced detector. The selection of Smiths Detection for the PCD programme is a testimony to the quality of our technology, engineering and manufacturing that were thoroughly tested during FMV’s selection process.”

Mr Anders Dahlqvist, Head of General Equipment Programmes, Land Systems at FMV, said: “FMV contributes to increased safety and security for Swedish society by identifying innovative and cost-effective solutions. LCD meets our requirements in this area and is a good example of international collaboration that allows us to offer our customers a dependable and effective means of meeting their defence procurement needs. As a technical solution, LCD meets the highest standards we require for new equipment in the Swedish Armed Forces and for the country’s total defence strategy.”

LCD
The LCD is a non-radioactive chemical warfare agent detector that automatically alerts service personnel to the presence of both chemical warfare agents and toxic industrial chemicals, also classifying and quantifying the substances involved. It is principally used as a low-profile personal detector worn on a soldier’s load bearing equipment and is also a capable survey instrument for checking cargo, equipment, personnel or facilities or can be mounted in various forms of military transportation such as wheeled or tracked vehicles, aircraft and ships. With the appropriate accessories, it is capable of inclusion in networked communications systems.

About Smiths Detection
Smiths Detection is part of the global technology business Smiths Group. It offers advanced integrated security solutions for customers in civil and military markets worldwide and is a leading technology developer and manufacturer of sensors that detect and identify explosives, chemical and biological agents, weapons, and contraband. Its advanced technology security solutions also include Smiths Heimann x-ray imaging systems, millimeter-wave technology and a specialist software supply business for the management of large sensor and video surveillance networks.  Separate business units focus on related products for the life sciences, and food manufacturing industries. For more information visit www.smithsdetection.com

About Smiths Group
Smiths is a global technology company, listed on the London Stock Exchange. Smiths Group is a world leader in the practical application of advanced technologies. Its products and services make the world safer, healthier and more productive. Smiths Group has three divisions focused on the high growth detection, medical devices, energy and communications markets. It employs more than 20,000 people in over 50 countries. For more information visit www.smiths.com

ENDS

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