Ajax chemical agent detector contracted
General Dynamics UK has awarded a £6 million contract to Smiths Detection to supply chemical agent detectors for the British Army's Ajax Programme, Smiths Detection announced on 26 October.
Under the contract, Smiths Detection will supply LCD 3.3 chemical agent detectors. When fitted to the vehicles the detectors will give crew early warning of chemical warfare attacks.
The contract follows a two-year development programme that includes the modification of the special mounting system of the detector to meet the vehicle's requirements.
Tony Tielen, vice president EMEA, Smiths Detection, said: 'This major military programme provides Smiths Detection with a valuable reference system for vehicle integration.
'With continuing news of chemical weapons being used by terrorist groups, Smiths Detection’s LCD 3.3 will play a critical role in keeping troops safe. We look forward to working with General Dynamics UK on the delivery of this vital programme.'
The Ajax programme covers the production of up to 589 armoured fighting vehicles, with deliveries scheduled to begin in 2017.
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