Australia Awards $300M Contract To Leidos For Chemical Weapons Protection Equipment

Australia’s defense ministry today announced the signing of contracts worth A$238 million with Leidos Australia for the supply and support of chemical, biological, radiological and nuclear defence capabilities for the Australian Defence Force under project Land 2110. 

Land 2110 Phase 1B is focused on the typical capability elements of CBRN defence: detection identification and monitoring, warning and reporting, physical protection (personal and collective), hazard management, containment and decontamination, medical support and training mechanisms.

The program covers everything from detectors through to suits and requires a level of integration between the numerous elements being procured.

“Leidos Australia will be a key capability partner of the ADF for the delivery and support of cutting edge technology to protect our soldiers on the battlefield as they encounter these evolving threats,” Minister for Defence, Christopher Pyne said. 

“The contracts will supply approximately 70,000 equipment items to support Defence’s capability to detect and protect itself from toxic industrial chemicals and weaponised chemical, biological, radiological and nuclear agents.  The capability will also include systems to manage contaminated personnel and equipment,” Pyne said. 

Minister Pyne said the project will invest significant funds in the sustainment of the capability over a 15-year period and create opportunities for Australian industry around the country. 

“This investment will provide an integrated and layered chemical, biological, radiological and nuclear defence capability which replaces ageing equipment reaching the end of its service life,” Minister Pyne added.