CBRNE Defense

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Minimizing the impacts and effects of chemical, biological, radiological, nuclear, and explosive (CBRNE) events through detection, recognition, and technological initiatives.

Recent Inquiries

What are chemical, biological, radiological, and nuclear research and development priorities based on service, combatant command, joint, Office of the Secretary of Defense, and/or international future operating concepts, strategies, threats, and related guidance?

What are chemical, biological, radiological, and nuclear research and development priorities based on service, combatant command, joint, Office of the Secretary of Defense, and/or international future operating concepts, strategies, threats, and related guidance?

National Guard soldier removes simulated radioactive particles via a vacuum according to Standard Operating Procedure.

What capabilities exist for field-level decontamination in a radiological environment?

What capabilities exist for field-level decontamination in a radiological environment?

What information is available on the 5G mobile network as a new or emerging threat for radio-controlled improvised explosive devices and/or unmanned aircraft systems?

What information is available on the 5G mobile network as a new or emerging threat for radio-controlled improvised explosive devices and/or unmanned aircraft systems?

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Articles

U.S. RDECOM C&B Center scientist Terrence D’Onofrio, in full CB suit protection, outfits Porton Man with sensors prior to a test.
External Government
August 13, 2025

Porton Man Robotic Test System

DUGWAY PROVING GROUND, Utah – The Mission and Installation Contracting Command has awarded a $1.7 million contract to develop a state-of-the-art robotic mannequin system designed to test protective gear against chemical warfare agents. The contract,…

Close-up of a superconducting sensor board containing multiple transition edge sensors (top row of squares), which detect energy released by individual radioactive decay events. Credit: M. Carlson/NIST
External Government
August 13, 2025

New NIST Method Precisely Measures Radioactivity in Tiny Samples

Researchers at the National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST) have demonstrated a new and faster method for detecting and measuring the radioactivity of minuscule amounts of radioactive material. The innovative technique, known as cryogenic…

From left: chemists Brian Mayer and Katelyn Mason and biologist Todd Corzett observe the operation of the robot that independently executes the acetylchlolinersterase assays the team uses to assess Novichok inhibition and to discover new oxime antidotes for Novichok poisoning. (Photo: Blaise Douros/LLNL)
External Government
August 13, 2025

LLNL and Purdue University Accelerate Discovery of Medical Countermeasures for Emerging Chemical Threats

In a major advance for chemical defense and public safety, scientists at Lawrence Livermore National Laboratory’s (LLNL’s) Forensic Science Center (FSC) and Purdue University have developed and demonstrated a high-throughput, automated mass spectrometry platform. Their…

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Webinars

August 8, 2024 12:00 pm

The Clear and Present Threat of Chem-Bio and Data and Cyberscientific and Technological Tools and Techniques

Given the current global shift toward symmetrical warfare, major powers – and non-state proxies – are developing radical leveling and emerging technology for use as “deterrence leveraging” in both non-kinetic and kinetic engagements. Although regnant…

March 14, 2024 12:00 pm

Novel Nuclear Forensics for the 21st Century

This work will demonstrate how ubiquitous radiological characterization can take place throughout all nuclear facilities for all nuclear material (even those facilities the United States does not know exist). The presentation will detail how this…

October 19, 2023 12:00 pm

Radiation Biodosimetry: Where We Are and Where We Need to Go

In the case of radiological/nuclear (R/N) mass casualty incidents, several thousands of humans may be exposed to ionizing radiation. Timely assessment of radiation dose is critical for making an appropriate “lifesaving” clinical decision for those…

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Events

A hypersonic missile being launched.
November 12, 2025 - November 13, 2025

Hypersonic Innovation Conference

Defense Strategies Institute’s 4th Annual Hypersonic Innovation Conference will support the United States’ ability to develop & operationalize hypersonic weapons as well as defend against incoming missile threats. The 2025 Conference will highlight hypersonic technology…

Image of multiple explosions on a range
October 27, 2025 - October 29, 2025

2025 Energetic Materials Technology Working Group Meeting

The 2025 Energetic Materials Technology Working Group Meeting is a major international forum for exchange and dissemination of information on the latest advancements in insensitive munitions (IM) and energetic materials (EM) technology. The objective of…

triangle featuring the nuclear triad - air, sea, land - with images of a plane, a stealth fighter, a submarine, and a rocket
January 26, 2026 - January 28, 2026

THE 18TH ANNUAL NUCLEAR DETERRENCE SUMMIT

The Nuclear Deterrence Summit brings together U.S. and international leaders, experts, and industry executives involved in the field of nuclear deterrence to discuss the management of the nuclear complex, the security of the stockpile, arms…

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