As part of the Brussels European Defense Exhibition & Conference (BEDEX 2026) which took place on 12-14 March, KNDS CBRN, a subsidiary of KNDS France and a global leader in CBRN (Chemical, Biological, Radiological, Nuclear) detection, protection, and decontamination announced 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).
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.
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 were showcased to European and international institutional and industrial stakeholders at BEDEX 2026. KNDS CBRN also promoted 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.
KNDS is the leading pan-European land defence company, uniting over 11,000 employees and generating €3.8 billion in revenue in 2024. With a strong order backlog of €23.5 billion, the group delivers innovative complete mission solutions built on state-of-the art technologies.
Leveraging deep industrial expertise and strong partnerships, KNDS develops open, interoperable solutions combining manned and unmanned systems, designed to meet tomorrow’s operational challenges. As a prime contractor, it provides full system-of-systems capabilities, from platforms to ammunition and services, managing the entire value chain and encompassing complete product life cycles.
Born from the alliance of Nexter and Krauss-Maffei Wegmann (KMW), uniting key nations within a single group, KNDS embodies the path toward a collective and efficient future for the sovereignty and security of Europe’s defence by supporting the standardization and interoperability between European and NATO forces.
Trusted by 24 European armies and 19 worldwide, KNDS benefits from decades of combat-proven experience. KNDS embodies a united, efficient model to enhance stability and long-term security in Europe and beyond.
KNDS is the leading pan-European land defence company, uniting over 11,000 employees and generating €3.8 billion in revenue in 2024.
