Chemical and Biological Defense Program

The Chemical and Biological Defense Program (CBDP) under Program Element (PE) 0602384BP is a Department of Defense (DoD) applied research initiative aimed at providing integrated, layered capabilities to enable military operations in chemical and biological (CB) environments. The program supports a range of activities from combat operations to domestic incident prevention and response, focusing on sustaining the core CB defense infrastructure and delivering advanced capabilities to address emerging threats. The FY 2026 budget request supports acceleration in characterizing biothreats, improving protection, and developing mitigation strategies, including rapid repurposing of therapeutics and new vaccine development.

UN2: Understand (Applied Research) is a major line item within the CBDP, with objectives centered on developing next-generation CB hazard detectors, point-of-need diagnostic devices, advanced decision support tools, and situational awareness systems. This portfolio includes efforts to enhance wearable device-based early warning systems and leverage artificial intelligence (AI) and machine learning (ML) for rapid threat detection and forecasting. The program also supports development of immersive training environments using virtual and augmented reality, rapid diagnostics for novel threats, advanced hazard modeling, and the characterization of CB agents and their environmental behavior to inform operational decisions.

PT2: Protect (Applied Research) focuses on increasing the Joint Force's ability to prevent or reduce the effects of CB exposure. Key goals include the development of broad-spectrum medical countermeasures (MCMs), vaccines, and prophylactic strategies that offer rapid, robust protection against a wide range of biological and chemical threats. The program advances next-generation respiratory and ocular protection, improved air filtration technologies, and protective garments that are more comfortable and effective. Research in this area supports the development of new materials for protective gear, nerve agent pretreatments, and coatings for military equipment that facilitate rapid decontamination.

MT2: Mitigate (Applied Research) is designed to enable rapid restoration of combat power and essential functions after CB incidents. The objectives include the development of broad-spectrum therapeutics, rapid decontamination methods for personnel and equipment, and new materials that neutralize or repel CB agents. The program invests in AI/ML-driven drug design, cross-toxidromic approaches to treat symptoms from multiple agents, and advanced coatings to ease decontamination. Additional research areas involve the creation of autonomous decontamination systems, improved personnel decontamination kits, and validation of new medical countermeasures through robust safety and efficacy models.

EN2: Enabling Investments (Applied Research) supports the infrastructure and foundational science required for the broader CBDP mission. This includes the development and validation of microphysiological models that mimic human responses to CB agents, upgrades to laboratory facilities to meet high-containment and classified research standards, and workforce training for specialized CB defense research. The program executes a robust emerging biothreat portfolio to ensure readiness for future incidents and provides oversight for the accreditation of biosafety labs to Sensitive Compartmented Information Facility (SCIF) standards.

CBDP applied research activities are executed by a range of DoD agencies and laboratories, including the U.S. Army Combat Capabilities Development Command Chemical Biological Center (DEVCOM CBC), USAMRIID, USAMRICD, the Army Natick Soldier Systems Center, Naval Research Lab, Air Force Research Lab, and Department of Energy labs such as PNNL. The program emphasizes strategic partnerships across the DoD, interagency, and international partners to ensure mission success and maintain budget assurance. Research outcomes are intended to transition to advanced technology development and system demonstration activities, reducing risk and accelerating the delivery of new capabilities to the warfighter.