GA-EMS receives diagnostic device contract
General Atomics Electromagnetic Systems (GA-EMS) has received a contract from DARPA to develop a next generation portable diagnostic platform to provide bio-threat detection capabilities in the field.
Over the course of 12 months, GA-EMS will develop a verification prototype device and related assay cards for point-of-use molecular diagnostics testing.
The portable device will support soldiers by quickly performing self-testing for an array of infectious diseases such as Ebola, malaria, dengue fever, or influenza in the field. The hope is that early diagnosis of biological threats will translate into a faster response and more effective treatment.
The portable diagnostic platform device will feature a unique sensor technology and customisable, single-use disposable cartridges capable of lab-quality molecular diagnostics. A small fluid sample will be inserted into a cartridge containing a molecular sensor chip and various reagents that will react when they come into contact with certain pathogens.
Testing occurs when the cartridge is inserted into the device, which interacts with the cartridge to prepare and analyse the sample. An easy to read positive or negative test result will then be displayed in less than one hour.
More from Defence Notes
-
![Companies’ results boom as countries dig deep to buy missiles and air defence systems]()
Companies’ results boom as countries dig deep to buy missiles and air defence systems
Air defence systems are continuing to appear top of countries’ shopping lists but broadly across different capabilities it is a sellers’ market, as demonstrated by backlogs and double-digit percentage point growth.
-
![Details revealed on Germany’s big spending plans]()
Details revealed on Germany’s big spending plans
In May this year, German Chancellor Friedrich Merz said the government plans to position Germany as “Europe's strongest conventional army”. A new blueprint outlines how this is going to occur through massive investment.
-
![European Council to deliver at “pace and scale” on European defence readiness 2030 roadmap]()
European Council to deliver at “pace and scale” on European defence readiness 2030 roadmap
Two of the concrete projects outlined in the readiness report, the European Air Shield and Space Shield, will aim to be launched by Q2 2026.
-
![Malaysia’s defence budget sets out major procurement goals for 2026]()
Malaysia’s defence budget sets out major procurement goals for 2026
The country has allocated RM21.70 billion for defence spending next year, with some major procurements set to be initiated across the country’s army, navy and air force.
-
![GAO highlights the need for more commercial data and availability improvements]()
GAO highlights the need for more commercial data and availability improvements
The US Government Accountability Office recently released two reports; one into the availability of selected equipment and another looking at how the government gets data and intellectual property rights through contracting.
