Defense
Rapid Chemical Threat Mitigation with Commercial-off-the-shelf (COTS) Devices for Combat Operations
Mission command success with fast, chemical intelligence devices.
MILITARY & DEFENSE
Mission-ready Chemical Identification
Modern chemical warfare agents, pharmaceutical based agents, and explosives demand advanced strategies and cutting‑edge technology. Our COTS solutions detect and identify explosives and nerve agents at trace levels—including aerosol and vapor threats— for combat operations. Our chemical detection tools enhance threat mitigation, force protection, and mission success.
CHEMICAL WARFARE AGENTS (CWAs)
Know The Threats of Fourth Generation Agents (A-Series)
A-Series agents, potent acetylcholinesterase inhibitors with signs and symptoms similar to traditional G- and V-Series nerve agents, were designed with explicit knowledge of existing NATO detection systems and MOPP gear. These Russian-developed acetylcholinesterase inhibitors were engineered specifically to defeat fielded force protection capabilities. They tend to be oily liquids which produce little to no vapors. They pose significant cross-contamination and exposure risks due to a combination of high potency and environmental persistence, and consequently a small release can rapidly become a large-area hazard.
Their extreme potency, environmental persistence, and low vapor pressure make them exceptionally difficult to detect using traditional CBRNE equipment, creating dangerous capability gaps during combat operations and hazmat response. They also often require higher antidote doses and can create additional vapor hazards when improperly decontaminated. The OPCW has confirmed the use of A-Series agents in several high-profile threat attacks, underscoring their role as deliberate instruments of state-sponsored chemical warfare.
IDENTIFY CHEMICAL WARFARE AGENTS
Rapid, Reliable Nerve Agent Detection
Chemical warfare agents (CWAs) agents and pharmaceutical based agents (PBAs) are the most toxic substances that can be encountered on the battlefield. They are extremely difficult to detect through conventional means, and capable of causing casualties even at trace levels.
The MX908 delivers world-class CWA and PBA identification across all states of matter: solids, liquids, vapors, and aerosols. As an advanced handheld mass spectrometer, the MX908 provides rapid, reliable identification of Novichoks and other emerging chemical threats, enabling commanders and warfighters to make informed decisions with speed and confidence in the most demanding operational environments.
PHARMACEUTICAL BASED AGENTS (PBAs)
Identify Aerosolized Drugs
Pharmaceutical-based agents (PBAs) represent an emerging and significant threat in the modern battlespace. Unlike traditional CWAs, PBAs exploit readily available pharmaceutical compounds that can be weaponized to incapacitate or kill large numbers of personnel. The dual-use nature of these substances makes them particularly attractive to threat actors, as precursor materials and finished products are often widely available through the dark web and illicit supply chains, significantly lowering the barrier to entry for developing these weapons.
Fentanyl presents an exceptionally dangerous threat when weaponized in aerosol form, as even microscopic quantities can cause rapid respiratory depression, unconsciousness, and death in exposed personnel within minutes. Identification of aerosolized fentanyl poses unique challenges, as standard chemical detection systems cannot recognize pharmaceutical compounds when suspended in the air.
C4ISR SYSTEMS
Advanced Chemical Detection for Real-time Intelligence
C4ISR systems utilize multiple technologies to aggregate information in mission-critical situations. A network of sensors, including ground sensors, air defense, CUAS, EW, and chemical sensors, are utilized to build a common operating picture (COP) for commanders. Chemical detection devices serve as critical nodes within this network, providing real-time monitoring, identification, and situational awareness for chemical threats on the battlefield.
The integration of advanced chemical detection capabilities, such as the MX908, into C4ISR networks enables automated threat reporting and rapid dissemination of critical information across all echelons of command. When chemical threats are detected, the system can instantly alert personnel in affected areas while simultaneously updating the COP to reflect contaminated zones and safe corridors. This seamless flow of chemical intelligence allows commanders to make informed tactical decisions regarding mission continuation, personnel protection measures such as mission oriented protective posture (MOPP) levels, and resource allocation.
EXPLOSIVE DETECTION
Rapidly Identify Explosives and Precursors
Military forces and explosive ordnance disposal (EOD) teams require field-ready, COTS devices capable of operating in austere battlefields for real-time explosive detection and identification.
Our MX908 device employs high-pressure mass spectrometry that provides unparalleled selectivity and sensitivity for identifying trace levels of explosives. Our FTIR devices, including VipIR and XplorIR, excel in identifying tens of thousands of chemical compounds in bulk materials.
IMPROVISED EXPLOSIVE DEVICES (IED)
Actionable Chemical Intelligence
When military EOD teams are tasked with investigating an improvised explosive device (IED) or IED manufacturing site, the render safe procedure demands more than just defeating the device. Operators must correctly identify explosive precursors and finished products present at the scene to preserve actionable intelligence for exploitation. Our devices give EOD technicians confirmed identification of both bulk and trace-level explosive materials during the render safe process, delivering immediate results without requiring the team to wait for laboratory support. Knowing whether a team is dealing with unstable, homemade explosives like TATP or a more stable military-grade explosive, can dictate render safe procedures.
UGV / UAV INTEGRATION
Identify Chemical Threats Remotely
The growing risk of chemical threats in modern conflicts, from riot control agent grenades deployed by Russian forces in Ukraine to potential toxic gases associated with nuclear enrichment programs, has made chemical identification a critical capability for EOD teams conducting C-IED and UXO missions. As these teams are increasingly likely to encounter explosive devices with chemical payloads, standoff detection tools are essential to protect personnel while maintaining operational effectiveness. The MX908 handheld mass spectrometer addresses this need as the only device capable of simultaneously detecting vapor and aerosol chemical threats, covering traditional chemical warfare agents such as VX, G-Series, and mustard, as well as advanced A-Series agents and pharmaceutical-based agents. When integrated with unmanned ground vehicles or unmanned air vehicles, the MX908 gives EOD teams the ability to identify chemical threats remotely, take appropriate precautions, and request additional support before a technician is ever put at risk.
Modern Chemical Detection & Identification Tools for Your Mission
Trace-level
Analysis
Detection and identification of chemical threats such as A-series agents (Novichoks), V-series agents, G-series agents, HD Mustard, aerosol and vapor CWAs and PBAs
Resources
White Paper: Area Monitoring for Chemical Warfare and Pharmaceutical Based Agents
Learn more about area monitoring and how MX908 Beacon is the only area monitor on the market to identify chemical warfare agents, etc.
Operational Impact of Fourth Generation Agents and Pharmaceutical Based Agents
The MX908 handheld mass spectrometer is the only device able to detect and identify both A-Series Agents and PBAs at trace levels in solid, liquid, vapor, and aerosol forms.
Responding to Chemical Warfare and Pharmaceutical Based Agents
A must watch for CBRN first responders. Receive the latest info on dangerous chemical threats, chemical warfare, and pharmaceutical based agents.
MX908 Specifications for EOD
Detection and ID of priority threats from military and commercial grade explosives, to homemade energetics and relevant precursors.
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