BEDEX 2026: Three new orders from the DGA for KNDS CBRN, subsidiary of KNDS France & global specialist in CBRN detection, protection and decontamination

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Brussels, March 13, 2026 – As part of the Brussels European Defense Exhibition & Conference (BEDEX 2026), KNDS CBRN, a subsidiary of KNDS France and a global leader in CBRN (Chemical, Biological, Radiological, Nuclear) detection, protection, and decontamination announces the signing of three new orders for the supply of a new gas mask and decontamination systems from the “ESSENTIAL DECON” range for the French Defense Procurement Agency (DGA).

         NEW TGM48 GAS MASK IN PRODUCTION

The DGA has ordered the first models of the new gas mask that will equip French armed forces from KNDS CBRN. 

After 35 years of continuous production of the previous generation of masks at KNDS CBRN facilities, and with the TGM48 masks pronounced certified for industrial production in 2025, this order confirms the industrial maturity of this innovative product and its ability to meet the highest standards.

TWO VERSIONS OF THE “ESSENTIAL DECON” RANGE SOON TO BE USED BY THE FRENCH ARMED FORCES

The DGA and the Union of Public Purchasing Groups (UGAP) have also ordered two decontamination systems from the “ESSENTIAL DECON” range.

This innovative range, developed by KNDS CBRN using its own funds, reflects the context of a wartime economy, enabling rapid production at high speed and at a controlled overall cost.  The components in the range, designed to withstand demanding environments, offer increased robustness that is perfectly suited to operational needs.

The modular architecture and standardization of equipment across all versions of the range ensure optimized maintenance in operational condition (MCO).

Finally, the ESSENTIAL DECON range has been designed to implement all decontamination solutions on the market in order to adapt to each customer’s doctrine.

The two systems ordered are the following:

  • ESSENTIAL DECON L-01: High-capacity autonomous decontamination system on a truck equipped with a platform for decontaminating vehicles and infrastructure. By the beginning of 2028, 21 L-01 systems will be deployed by the French Army to decontaminate GRIFFON, JAGUAR, and SERVAL vehicles, among others, supplied by KNDS France to the armed forces.
  • ESSENTIAL DECON S-04: Autonomous, self-supporting decontamination system designed for CBRN decontamination of aircraft (airplanes and helicopters). With its high-reach platform, the S-04 version provides a solution tailored to the needs of the French Air and Space Force. The first systems will be delivered by the beginning of 2028.

The CBRN protective mask and the ESSENTIAL DECON range are showcased to European and international institutional and industrial stakeholders at BEDEX 2026.

KNDS CBRN is also promoting the Essential Decon M-01 model at the exhibition, which is lighter and capable of treating three vehicles with complete autonomy in terms of supply.

photo courtesy KNDS

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Classification
Region
Europe
Analytical Domain
Operational
Primary Category / Secondary Categories
Weapons & Equipment / Logistics
Subcategory
New Weapon System
SALUTE Report
Size
21 L-01 systems, 2 decontamination systems, new gas mask models
Activity
Signing of orders for new gas masks and decontamination systems
Location
Brussels
Unit
KNDS CBRN, French Defense Procurement Agency (DGA)
Time
March 13, 2026
Equipment
TGM48 gas maskESSENTIAL DECON L-01ESSENTIAL DECON S-04
Summary

KNDS CBRN signed three orders for new CBRN equipment from the French Defense Procurement Agency in Brussels on March 13, 2026. The orders include the TGM48 gas mask and two decontamination systems from the ESSENTIAL DECON range, with 21 L-01 systems set to be deployed by the French Army by 2028.

Key Facts
  • KNDS CBRN signed three new orders for CBRN equipment.
  • The DGA ordered new TGM48 gas masks for the French armed forces.
  • Two decontamination systems from the ESSENTIAL DECON range were ordered.
  • 21 L-01 systems will be deployed by the French Army by 2028.
  • The ESSENTIAL DECON S-04 is designed for aircraft decontamination.

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