BLADE Awarded Contract to Advance Critical Equipment Decontamination System for U.S. Special Operations Forces

SOLON, Ohio, Oct. 26, 2026 /PRNewswire/ -- 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."

About BLADE: For nearly 90 years we've operated as HDT – cutting through the impossible to deliver solutions that protect warfighters, secure assets and deflect enemy threats. As BLADE, we've sharpened our focus to redefine mobility, survivability, and operational superiority in contested environments. BLADE develops systems to perform in hazardous and demanding environments. Building on a legacy of innovation and performance, the company engineers robotic solutions, agile infrastructure, environmental assurance solutions, and systems that support aerial operations and strategic defense and deterrence to achieve operational superiority in the battlespace of tomorrow. Forged by our legacy, sharpened for tomorrow's mission.

SOURCE HDT Expeditionary Systems, Inc., dba BLADE