How Indian Army’s New ACADA Systems Provide a Tactical Edge in Chemical Warfare Scenarios

New Delhi, India - In a major step toward strengthening India’s chemical, biological, radiological, and nuclear (CBRN) defence capabilities, the Indian Army has signed a ₹80.43 crore contract with Larsen & Toubro (L&T) Ltd for the procurement of 223 Automatic Chemical Agent Detection and Alarm (ACADA) systems. Developed by the Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO) at its Defence Research and Development Establishment (DRDE), Gwalior, the ACADA system is a next-generation chemical warfare threat detection tool.

The deal, signed under the ‘Buy Indian (IDDM)’ category, is a big push for India’s Aatmanirbhar Bharat initiative, with over 80% of the system’s components sourced locally. The ACADA system will significantly enhance the Indian Army’s capability to detect and respond to chemical attacks, ensuring faster countermeasures and troop safety on the battlefield.

Why ACADA is a Game-Changer for Indian Military Operations

CBRN threats have been an increasing concern in modern warfare, particularly given the uncertainty surrounding Pakistan’s chemical weapons capabilities and China’s advancements in biological and radiological warfare technologies. The ACADA system provides the Indian Army with real-time early warning capabilities and will be deployed in forward units, mechanized formations, and key military installations.

This automated chemical detection system works on Ion Mobility Spectrometry (IMS) technology, continuously monitoring air samples to detect the presence of chemical warfare agents (CWA) and toxic industrial chemicals (TICs). With two highly sensitive IMS cells, the system ensures instantaneous threat identification and alarm activation, giving soldiers crucial seconds to deploy countermeasures before exposure.

How ACADA Enhances India’s CBRN Preparedness

The primary function of ACADA is to continuously scan the environment and alert troops upon detecting chemical threats. By eliminating manual detection delays, the system significantly improves survivability in chemical warfare conditions.

The Indian Army plans to deploy these systems:

• Along the Line of Control (LoC) with Pakistan and the Line of Actual Control (LAC) with China
• In strategic military bases and ammunition depots
• Within mechanized and armoured divisions for battlefield mobility
• In urban centres for CBRN disaster response

With increasing border tensions with China and Pakistan’s history of using unconventional warfare tactics, these systems provide early warning capabilities to Indian troops in high-risk zones.  

Notably, Pakistan has not signed the Chemical Weapons Convention (CWC), raising concerns over its undeclared chemical warfare capabilities. The Indian Army’s ACADA deployment ensures defensive readiness in case of a CBRN-based offensive by Pakistan.

Meanwhile, China has invested heavily in biological and chemical warfare technologies and has a history of dual-use research. The ACADA system will enhance India’s preparedness against potential covert CBRN threats.

Beyond warfare, these detection systems will be critical in responding to chemical disasters. India has witnessed multiple industrial chemical leaks, including the Vizag gas tragedy (2020) and the Bhopal Gas Tragedy (1984). The ACADA system will help in mitigating civilian casualties during chemical-related industrial accidents.

India’s Long-Term CBRN Strategy: What’s Next?

The Indian Army is rapidly expanding its CBRN capabilities, and the induction of ACADA is a part of a larger roadmap that includes:

• NBC reconnaissance vehicles for large-area chemical detection.
• AI-driven early warning systems for predictive threat assessments.
• Drone-based CBRN monitoring for remote chemical threat detection.

The Indian Army, Air Force, and Navy are working together to develop joint CBRN defence protocols, ensuring that India has a unified response mechanism against chemical, biological, and nuclear threats.