Smiths Detection Awarded Army Contract With Potential Value of $75 Million for Additional Automatic Chemical Agent Detector Alarm (ACADA) Units

Following Successful Deployments DoD is Acquiring Additional Portable and Versatile ACADA Units to Warn Soldiers of the Presence of Chemical Warfare Agents

Edgewood, MD, 31 March 2008 - Smiths Detection, part of the global technology business Smiths Group, today announced its Military unit has been awarded a contract with potential total value of $75 million by the Department of Defense (DoD) to supply Automatic Chemical Agent Detector Alarm (ACADA) units.  Under the initial $10 million order, Smiths Detection is supplying the US Army with its GID-3™ chemical agent detectors, selected for the ACADA program. 

Stephen Phipson, Group Managing Director of Smiths Detection said: “As a world-leading provider of detection systems used by military forces around the world to identify chemical, biological and explosive threats, our products, fill a critical need in troop protection. GID-3 and our lightweight LCD used for personal protection are now at the forefront of the technology-driven approach to safeguarding lives. Our long history working in the military sector and our strong commitment to R&D has enabled Smiths Detection to work closely with the DoD to ensure our detection systems meet the changing needs of US forces.”

The ACADA is an advanced point-sampling, chemical warfare agent detection system that continuously monitors for the presence of nerve agents and blister chemicals using the proven IMS (Ion Mobility Spectrometry) technology. The GID-3 chemical agent detectors are specifically designed to be flexible so they can be mounted in vehicles, deployed remotely, or carried by dismounted soldiers. 

Since 1998, Smiths Detection has supplied approximately 50,000 ACADA units to the Department of Defense for deployment with the Army, Navy, Air Force, Marine Corps and National Guard.

About Smiths Detection
Smiths Detection is part of the global technology business Smiths Group. It offers advanced integrated security solutions for customers in civil and military markets worldwide and is a leading technology developer and manufacturer of sensors that detect and identify explosives, chemical and biological agents, weapons, and contraband. Its advanced technology security solutions also include Smiths Heimann x-ray imaging systems, millimeter-wave technology and a specialist software supply business for the management of large sensor and video surveillance networks.  Separate business units focus on related products for the life sciences, and food manufacturing industries. For more information visit www.smithsdetection.com

About Smiths Group
Smiths is a global technology company listed on the London Stock Exchange. A world leader in the practical application of advanced technologies, Smiths Group delivers products and services for the threat & contraband detection, medical devices, energy and communications markets worldwide. Our products and services make the world safer, healthier and more productive. Smiths Group employs more than 20,000 people in over 50 countries. For more information visit www.smiths.com.

Media Contacts:   
Olivia Deffenderfer   
Smiths Detection Military   
Phone: 401-510-9281    
olivia.deffenderfer@smithsdetection.com 

David Olsen
Coltrin & Associates (For Smiths Detection)
Phone: 212-221-1616, X-118
david_olsen@coltrin.com