The German Armed Forces has awarded a follow-on contract to Smiths Detection to supply more than 550 lightweight chemical detectors (LCD) 3.3s.

The LCD is a device which can be handheld or clipped to a belt to detect and identify chemical threats by determining the agent or type, class, concentration and dosage of exposure.

The screening and survey device is currently used by UK, US, Canadian, Australian and Norwegian forces.

Smiths business management group vice-president Mal Maginnis said the LCD will provide the German military an additional layer of protection against chemical exposure.

The company has received orders for a total of 600 LCD units since 2007.