US Army invests $84 Mn in QinetiQ next-gen bomb suits for enhanced EOD capabilities.

To upgrade its Explosive Ordnance Disposal (EOD) capabilities, the U.S. Army has awarded an $84 million contract to QinetiQ's U.S. subsidiary for the Next Generation Advanced Bomb Suit (NGABS). The contract marks a pivotal step in modernizing the Army's protective gear for EOD personnel, replacing the two-decade-old Advanced Bomb Suit (ABS).
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 U.S. Army has awarded an $84 million contract to QinetiQ's U.S. subsidiary for the Next Generation Advanced Bomb Suit (NGABS). (Picture source: US Army)

According to a  QinetiQ, a British defense technology group, the U.S. Army has granted a 5-year Indefinite Delivery, Indefinite Quantity (IDIQ) contract to deliver over 700 NGABS suits. The contract falls under the purview of the Product Manager of Soldier Protective Equipment (PM SPE).

The NGABS is designed to offer EOD soldiers enhanced protection during daily operations involving the identification, rendering safe, and disposal of Improvised Explosive Devices (IEDs) and other explosive threats. Unlike its predecessor, the ABS, the NGABS provides 360-degree ballistic protection.

One of the most notable advancements in the NGABS is its technological capabilities. The suit comes equipped with a Modular Sensor Suite (MSS) and a Heads-Up Display (HUD), drastically increasing situational awareness for soldiers. These features are particularly beneficial for low or no-light operations, allowing EOD personnel to respond more effectively to evolving threats.

The contract comes at a crucial time as the U.S. Army seeks to modernize its equipment and capabilities to meet the challenges of contemporary warfare. EOD soldiers are often at the forefront of dangerous operations, and the NGABS aims to provide them with the best possible protection and situational awareness. The new suits are expected to significantly increase the readiness of EOD soldiers to respond to a variety of explosive threats.