US Department of Defense Invests $4.5 Million in Innovative Israeli Technology for Troop Radiation Protection

Defense News ,U.S :- The US Department of Defense has recently granted a $4.5-million contract to Israeli company StemRad, aiming to equip American troops with cutting-edge gamma radiation shields. StemRad is set to deliver 630 units of its specialized 360 Gamma belts, designed to safeguard soldiers from lethal gamma radiation in various scenarios, including bombings, terrorist attacks, and nuclear incidents such as reactor meltdowns.

Unlike conventional radiation protection suits that cover the entire body, StemRad 360 Gamma belt adopts a novel approach by focusing on shielding the most vulnerable parts of the body, particularly the bone marrow. This innovative design not only enhances protection but also reduces the burden on soldiers, eliminating the need to carry heavy shielding alongside other essential equipment.

As part of the contract, StemRad will provide onsite training at the National Guard Consequence Management Support Center in Kentucky, reinforcing the implementation of their protective technology to support American servicemembers. Oren Milstein, an executive at StemRad, expressed the significance of the partnership with the National Guard Bureau, highlighting it as a crucial step in advancing protective measures for the country military personnel.

StemRad unique approach involves partial body shielding, utilizing lighter-weight materials to selectively protect tissues with increased radiosensitivity, particularly the bone marrow responsible for hematopoietic functions. The company emphasizes that adequate protection in this critical area significantly reduces the risk of radiation sickness, offering a more efficient and targeted solution for the safety of troops in high-risk environments.