DARPA's SIGMA+ programme aims to address potential CBRNE threats. (Photo: DARPA)
Battelle Memorial Institute is embarking on Phase 2 work in the SIGMA+ programme for DARPA.
SIGMA+ is an R&D effort to create an advanced networked sensor to detect and identify biological weapons of mass destruction (WMD).
SIGMA+ aims to develop a capability to detect illicit radioactive and nuclear materials by developing new sensors and networks that would alert authorities to chemical, biological, and explosives threats as well.
The programme calls for the development of highly sensitive detectors and advanced intelligence analytics to detect minute traces of various substances related to WMD threats.
SIGMA+ will use a common network infrastructure and mobile sensing strategy. The SIGMA+ CBRNE detection network would be scalable to cover a major metropolitan city and its surrounding region.
Phase 1 of SIGMA+ focuses on developing novel sensors for chemicals, explosives, and biological agents.
Phase 2 focuses on network development, analytics and integration. The Phase 2 contract is worth $8.51 million and Battelle will complete it by September 2023, the DoD announced on 15 April.
As part of our promise to deliver comprehensive coverage to our Defence Insight and Premium News subscribers, our curated defence news content provides the latest industry updates, contract awards and programme milestones.
Any potential ‘Arctic Sentry’ mission would be months in the planning, but with tensions high in the region given the US’s push for Greenland, NATO countries will need to continue to emphasise their commitment to the region, analysts have said.
Defence Minister Gen Vladimir Padrino López has declared that the Venezuelan armed forces “will continue to employ all its available capabilities for military defence”.
The UK’s defence spending commitments remain uncertain as the government’s Defence Investment Plan, which had been due by the end of 2025, is yet to be published.
Disruption of infrastructure in Europe, whether by cyberattack, physical damage to pipelines or uncrewed aerial vehicles flying over major airports, as has happened more recently, is on the rise. What is the most effective way of countering the aerial aspect of this not-so-open warfare?
The US State Department’s approval of a multi-billion-dollar sale of weapons to Taiwan includes tactical mission networks equipment, uncrewed aerial systems, artillery rocket systems and self-propelled howitzers as well as anti-tank guided missiles.
Ireland’s multi-annual investment in capital defence spending is set to rise from €300m in 2026 to €360m in 2029–2030 with major upgrades across land, air, maritime and cyber domains.
Connect with us on socials
