Indra strengthens the Spanish Army’s chemical incident response capabilities with an advanced mobile CBRN analysis laboratory.
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Press Release, Madrid, 17 March 2022: Indra, a leading global technology and consulting company, has delivered to the Spanish Army an advanced mobile chemical analysis laboratory that provides increased security for Spanish soldiers in their missions, allows for the protection of the civilian population in international conflicts, and increases response capabilities in case of an industrial accident in Spanish territory.
The 1st CBRN Defence Regiment ‘Valencia’ is responsible for deploying in the area of operations and establishing a rapid alert system in the case of nuclear, biological or chemical attacks. While these weapons are prohibited, they have nevertheless been detected in various international situations and terrorist attacks in recent years.
Until now, this highly specialised Army unit has been operating mainly with VAMTAC (high mobility tactical vehicle) reconnaissance vehicles and BMR 6×6 armoured vehicles suitably adapted for the mission with Sampling and Identification of Biological, Chemical and Radiological Agents (SIBCRA) Equipment. Now they will also have an Indra mobile chemical laboratory equipped with the most advanced instruments and mounted on a military truck that ensures maximum mobility and the ability to travel to the area of interest.
Inside, the laboratory offers a safe space with negative pressure in which two or three experts can work on sample collection and analysis. An advanced information and communications system allows them to coordinate with the Marañosa Institute of Technology’s Central Chemical Weapons Laboratory (LQCA) and to have its support at all times.
Speed in arriving on the scene and collecting the first pieces of data is of vital importance in this type of attack. This is the only way to identify the agent used in time to activate damage limitation and life-saving measures. It is also critical to gather the necessary evidence to report the use of these weapons to international institutions.
The laboratory may also be used on Spanish territory in the event of an industrial accident if there is a risk of a toxic agent being released that could affect public health. All Indra’s mobile laboratory equipment complies with NATO international standards for this type of installation (STANAG 4632).
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