DRDO chief inaugurates CBRN training lab in Delhi to tackle threats know what they are

The Defence Research and Development Organisation inaugurated a Chemical, Biological, Radiological and Nuclear field training and demonstration centre at the Burari plains in Delhi on May 6, 2026. The facility was inaugurated by Secretary, Department of Defence Research and Development and Chairman DRDO, Dr Samir V Kamat, with the aim of strengthening preparedness for radiological and nuclear emergencies.

The centre has been developed as a DRDO CBRN Centre of Excellence equipped with advanced infrastructure. It includes a dedicated radiological and nuclear test bed facility, a heavy ion research facility, and units for emergency medical response and real time field operations.

Focus on capacity building and crisis response

The facility forms part of the upcoming CBRN Centre of Excellence under the Institute of Nuclear Medicine and Allied Sciences. It is intended to provide training to personnel from the Ministry of Defence, Ministry of Home Affairs, National Disaster Management Authority and other agencies involved in CBRN preparedness and response.


Through structured training programmes and workshops, the institute will prepare future specialists while integrating modern techniques and technologies to strengthen frontline capabilities.

What is CBRN?

CBRN refers to the malicious use of chemical, biological, radiological and nuclear materials or weapons with the intent to cause significant harm or disruption. The risks associated with these materials differ in nature.

Chemical threats involve poisoning or injury caused by hazardous substances, including military grade agents as well as industrial or household chemicals. Biological threats relate to illnesses caused by the deliberate release of bacteria, viruses or toxins such as ricin derived from castor oil beans. Radiological threats arise from exposure to harmful radioactive materials, leading to illness. Nuclear threats involve severe health effects caused by radiation, heat or blast impacts resulting from a nuclear detonation.

Within this broader category, the term white powders is commonly used in mail-related contexts to indicate the possible presence of harmful or suspicious substances, including hoax materials, in letters or parcels.

Dignitaries attend inauguration

The event was attended by Director General Soldier Support System Dr Upendra Kumar Singh, Director General Production Coordination and Services Interaction Dr Chandrika Kaushik, Director General Resource and Management Dr Ravindra Singh, along with corporate directors, scientists and other dignitaries.