Posted

SOLON, Ohio – October 12, 2026 – BLADE (formerly HDT Global), a leading provider of mission-critical defense solutions, announced today that it has been awarded a contract in support of the Critical Equipment Decontamination System (CEDS) program. The award advances BLADE’s work on the large CEDS variant, a transportable capability designed to restore mission-essential equipment exposed to chemical and biological agents.

Led by the Joint Project Manager for CBRN Special Operation Forces (JPM CBRN SOF), under the Portfolio Management Executive Chemical, Biological, Radiological and Nuclear Defense (PME CBRND), the CEDS program is designed to strengthen the operational readiness and survivability of U.S. Special Operations Forces.

Developed to support operations in austere, hostile and contested environments, the large CEDS variant provides a transportable solution for decontaminating sensitive operational equipment. By enabling critical assets to be safely recovered and reused, the system is intended to reduce logistical burdens, preserve essential resources, and accelerate the return of equipment to operational service.

“This award underscores our commitment to delivering innovative solutions that protect warfighters and enhance mission readiness,” said Tim Stickler, Sr. Director of CBRN Integrated Protection, Bio & Chemical Security at BLADE. “Through the CEDS program, we are advancing critical decontamination capabilities that enable Special Operations Forces to recover essential equipment, sustain operations and maintain their advantage in contested environments. We are proud to support this mission and provide the reliable solutions our warfighters depend on.”