24 September 2020

Innovation in chemical weapons defence is being tested in the US army. Military scientists have created a spray that detects chemical agents on military vehicles and equipment, even at low concentrations. (South, 2020) The Agent C2 Spray according to Dr Stephen Lee “is highly sensitive, providing accurate results on only trace amounts of material, even at concentrations below levels that represent an immediate danger to life and health”. (CCDC, 2020) This product can increase the accuracy and speed of decontamination efforts with its effective method of detection. The CIDAS (Contamination Indicator and Decontamination Assurance System) is a joint operation with the CBRN defence of the American Armed Forces. They acquired the new detection software from a company called FLIR systems Inc. This negotiation is valued at 21.8 million dollars for the development and implementation of the new products. (South, 2020)

Research into enzymes and polymers in the ’90s involved scientists understanding how to integrate the protective potential of polymers with enzymes. Polymers allow for enzymes to act outside of a secure environment. In this case, polymers allow enzymes to act outside of a secured container in temperature-controlled rooms. This means enzymes are used for chemical detection in combat environments, often being challenged by dust, grease, oil, and sweat. This project is considered a success. “Because the underlying chemistry uses enzymes to drive specific biochemical reactions, the technology is highly resistant to potential forms of chemical and environmental interference that might be problematic for conventional detection equipment,” (South, 2020). The colour-based formula makes it easy for soldiers to use. The formula goes on to the vehicles yellow, indicates a small reaction as red, and a large reaction as black. This product solves tactical problems related to the environment through its robust resiliency. In the future, this technology may feature colourimetric techniques in the use of smaller products such as a pen, and eventually more complex systems.

If acquired, this product will increase the capabilities of European Armies. Current technologies are time consuming and expensive endeavours. The M2561A and the M18A2 kits were one of the most common detection products for soldiers. The M8 features a small booklet of papers that detect liquid agents. The M9 is similar, but it is worn by the soldier for detection during operations. These products can range from 100 to 200 euro. Another existing product is CAM. This handheld device is praised for being quick but lacks efficacy and often provides false alarms to perfume, paint, and diesel fuel. Additionally, the CAM cost an upward of 5000 euro. (NCBI, 1999) The German Fuchs (Fox Recon System/Vehicle) cost over 200,000 euro. This vehicle for armed forces in Europe is a mobile mass spectrometry gas chromatography and works as a heater to remove surface contaminants. (Farmer, 2016) Unlike the Agent C2 Spray, this vehicle is intended to decontaminate itself rather than detect threats and alert soldiers. In comparison with previous technologies, it is clear that the ease and accuracy of the new spray is a huge benefit to the Army. Not only does the spray allow for detection in combat but, when cleaning vehicles, it allows for accurate and timely decontamination efforts.  Through the use of this detection technology, armies will be better prepared to work in conflict zones like Iraq and Syria, which are known to use nerve agents in battle.

Nerve agents can be deployed with rockets, missiles, mines, artillery shells, aerial bombs, submunitions, and spray tanks. Chemical weapons attacks often result in the disorganization of troops in assembly areas and impede forces by heightening existing mission complexities. (Sidell, 2013) States which have had chemical weapon capabilities are the US, Russia, Libya, Iraq, Albania, South Korea, and India. All countries except the US have declared their weapons as destroyed. In July 2020, the United States had 1445.5 metric tons of mustard gas and nerve agents in her remaining stockpile. The destruction of these weapons is expected to be completed by 2023. Both the Geneva Convention and the Chemical Weapons Convention provide a legal framework for the prevention of chemical and biological weaponry. The Geneva Convention does allow for the use of chemical weapons in a retaliatory sense, but it is customary international law not to do so. The CWC on the other hand provides a more robust definition of chemical weapons in law. This protocol enforces the declaration and safe destruction of all testing, research and development facilities. (Masterson, 2020)

Of course, this does not mean that all chemical warfare is gone. Since 2012, Syria has been accused of using nerve agents against their population. (NTI, 2020). As European forces continue to be a part of conflicts in the Middle East and North Africa, the continued acquisition of chemical weapons detection equipment will be pertinent. If you are looking for more information on CBRN and its implications for the European Army and Finabel allies stay tuned for Finabel’s Food for Thought: Chemical and Biological Weapons Defence in Europe.

Written by Dayle HARVEY Defence Researcher at Finabel – European Army Interoperability Centre

Sources

South, T. (2020, September 17). This newly fielded Army chemical spray turns bright red if nerve agent is present. Retrieved September 23, 2020, from https://www.armytimes.com/news/your-army/2020/09/17/this-newly-fielded-army-chemical-spray-turns-bright-red-if-nerve-agent-is-present/?utm_source=Sailthru

CCDC. (2020). Army fields new chemical detection technology. Retrieved September 23, 2020, from https://www.army.mil/article/238845/army_fields_new_chemical_detection_technology

Institute of Medicine (US) Committee on R&D Needs for Improving Civilian Medical Response to Chemical and Biological Terrorism Incidents. Chemical and Biological Terrorism: Research and Development to Improve Civilian Medical Response. Washington (DC): National Academies Press (US); 1999. 4, Detection and Measurement of Chemical Agents. Available from: https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK230668/

Sidell FR, Newmark J, McDonough J. “Chapter 5: Nerve Agents” (PDF). Medical Aspects of Chemical Warfare. pp. 155–219.

Masterson, J. (2020). Fact Sheets & Briefs. Retrieved September 23, 2020, from https://www.armscontrol.org/factsheets/Chemical-Weapons-Frequently-Asked-Questions

NTI. (2020). Iraq. Retrieved September 23, 2020, from https://www.nti.org/learn/countries/iraq/chemical/

Farmer, B. (2016, May 02). Army brings back sniffer vehicles for chemical weapons threat. Retrieved September 23, 2020, from https://www.telegraph.co.uk/news/2016/05/02/army-brings-back-sniffer-vehicles-for-chemical-weapons-threat/