DRDO opens CBRN Field Training and Demonstration Centre in Delhi

📌 Summary:

• DRDO inaugurated a Chemical, Biological, Radiological and Nuclear (CBRN) Field Training and Demonstration Centre at Burari plains, Delhi on May 6, 2026

• Inaugurated by DRDO Chairman Dr Samir V Kamat; the centre aims to enhance India's preparedness for radiological and nuclear emergencies

• The centre is part of an upcoming CBRN Centre of Excellence under the Institute of Nuclear Medicine and Allied Sciences (INMAS)

• State-of-the-art facilities include: dedicated radiological and nuclear test bed facility, heavy ion research facility, emergency medical response unit, real-time field response units

• Target beneficiaries: responders from Ministry of Defence, Home Affairs, and other government agencies; aimed at effective training for CBRN threats

• Significance: CBRN threats include weaponised chemical agents, bio-warfare, dirty bombs (radiological dispersal devices), and nuclear devices — increasingly relevant amid West Asia conflict escalation

• Supports India's broader indigenization push in defence R&D; fits within DRDO's Centre of Excellence framework

🎯 UPSC Relevance: GS3 — Science & Technology (defence applications) and Internal Security | DRDO's role in India's defence indigenization; CBRN preparedness; nuclear security

📝 Prelims Facts:

• CBRN = Chemical, Biological, Radiological, Nuclear (four categories of weapons of mass disruption)

• DRDO = Defence Research and Development Organisation (under Ministry of Defence)

• INMAS = Institute of Nuclear Medicine and Allied Sciences (DRDO lab based in Delhi)

• DRDO Chairman: Dr Samir V Kamat

🔑 Key Term: CBRN Threats — Incidents or attacks involving chemical, biological, radiological, or nuclear agents that pose mass casualty risks; require specialised detection, protection, and decontamination capabilities