European Defense Agency orders counter-IED facility from Indra

Indra of Spain is to build a forensics laboratory for the European Defense Agency to help counter improvised explosive devices.

The framework contract for the Counter-Improvised Explosive Device laboratory is worth $2.41 million. If the EDA exercises a contract option for a second facility, the total value of the award would be nearly $4.39 million.

Indra said the laboratory would be comprised of 13 modular containers that can be configured differently for on-site collection of samples. Biometric and chemical forensic analyses can be conducted on traces found, as well as on the remains of electronic devices that may have been used to detonate the IEDs.

"The ultimate goal of these labs is to gather information on techniques, tactics and procedures used in terrorist attacks," Indra said. "Improvised explosive devices are the leading cause of death in international military operations."

The laboratory will also be capable of analyzing computer data and will be equipped with an advanced data management system to enable the comparison of an attack with previous incidents.

Indra had previous built a counter-IED laboratory that supported coalition forces in Afghanistan.