CBRN Defense

The CBRN Defense (Chemical, Biological, Radiological, and Nuclear Defense) line item (LI 4516M01001) in the Army's FY 2026 budget supports the procurement of critical equipment to enable the Army to detect, protect against, and respond to CBRN threats. The overarching objective of this line item is to ensure that Army units are equipped with modern, interoperable, and effective systems to maintain operational readiness and protect personnel in environments where CBRN hazards may be present. This funding supports six major Programs of Record, each with distinct goals and deliverables.

Collective Protection (CP) (M01006) focuses on acquiring and modernizing deployable medical systems that provide chemical and biological protection for Army field hospitals. Funding will procure Hospital Unit Bases, Surgical Augments, Medical Augments, and Intensive Care Wards. These sets are configured to match the Army's updated force design for field hospitals, ensuring that deployed medical facilities can operate safely in CBRN-contaminated environments. The Defense Logistics Agency (DLA) in Philadelphia, PA, is the primary procurement agency for these systems.

Radiological Detection System (RDS) (M01280) is intended to replace legacy radiation detection, indication, and computation (RADIAC) systems across the Joint Services. Funding will support the procurement and fielding of RDS units, which provide net-ready capabilities to detect alpha, beta, gamma, neutron, and low-energy x-rays. The RDS incorporates GPS geolocation, network-ready data, and lessons learned from previous operations, offering a unified, sensitive, and cost-effective solution for radiological threat detection and exposure computation. This program also includes funding for calibration equipment to support sustainment.

Nuclear Biological Chemical Reconnaissance Vehicle Sensor Suite Upgrade (NBCRV SSU) (M02241) aims to modernize the CBRN sensor suite on Stryker reconnaissance vehicles. Funding will procure Unmanned Aerial System (UAS) CBR single kits and cover associated engineering and logistics costs. The NBCRV SSU enhances standoff detection, reliability, and integration with robotic platforms, thereby increasing the maneuverability and survivability of reconnaissance formations in large-scale combat operations. This modernization is critical for maintaining freedom of action and supporting commanders' intelligence requirements in contested environments.

Joint Personal Dosimeter-Individual (JPD-I) (W43487) is designed to replace legacy dosimeters used by the Army and Navy, providing individual service members with a device to record and retrieve radiation exposure data. Funding will procure JPD-I sensors, with additional support for units to support Operation Atlantic Resolve in Europe. The JPD-I supports occupational and tactical radiological defense missions and is fielded to units in high-threat areas to ensure accurate tracking of individual radiation doses.

Man-Portable Radiological Detection System (MRDS) (W56532) provides enhanced radiological and nuclear (RN) detection, localization, and identification capabilities at the tactical level. Funding will procure MRDS systems, with additional support for the Pacific Deterrence Initiative. MRDS systems are networked for near real-time situational awareness and support countering weapons of mass destruction (WMD) operations, sensitive site assessments, and homeland defense missions. The program leverages multiple vendors and configurations to meet diverse operational requirements.

Explosive Ordnance Disposal (EOD) Dismounted Reconnaissance SKO (DR SKO) (M09988) is a subset of the CBRN Dismounted Reconnaissance System (DRS) tailored for EOD warfighters. While there is no FY 2026 funding request for this program, it previously provided comprehensive protection, detection, identification, sample collection, hazard marking, and decontamination capabilities for EOD personnel conducting render-safe operations in CBRN environments. The program's integration with the broader CBRN DRS ensures that EOD units remain equipped to address evolving CBRN and explosive threats.