The US Navy Brings Genetic Sequencing to the Field: Identifying Biological Threats in Under 30 Minutes
The United States Naval Research Laboratory (NRL) has announced the completion of the development of a new generation of portable DNA and RNA sequencing systems intended for operational use. The platform, named Far-Forward Advanced Sequencing Technology (F-FAST), is designed to allow deployed units in the field to quickly identify biological threats, including unknown ones or those obtained through genetic modifications, right at the intervention site and without the support of traditional laboratories.
According to the US Navy laboratory, the system is capable of providing results in under 30 minutes, drastically reducing the time normally required to send samples to specialized facilities. The goal is to make genetic information available to commanders almost in real-time, to support medical and operational decisions in the presence of suspected biological agents.
Unlike traditional rapid diagnostic tests, which exclusively search for genetic sequences belonging to already known pathogens, F-FAST integrates both targeted analyses and whole-genome sequencing procedures. This approach allows not only for confirmation of the identity of already cataloged microorganisms but also for the identification of completely unknown organisms, analysis of entire microbial communities, and detection of any artificially modified genes.
The project represents the result of over ten years of research in the field of genetic sequencing conducted by the NRL. Experience gained from previous programs had already allowed for the testing of portable sequencers aboard naval units and during operational exercises. With F-FAST, such technologies have been adapted to military needs, prioritizing robustness, speed, and reliability even in environments lacking traditional laboratory infrastructures.
One distinguishing aspect of the platform is its ease of use. The devices have been designed to be operated even by personnel with limited training in molecular biology techniques, thanks to simplified protocols that reduce the complexity of sampling and analysis procedures.
During development, the technology has been tested in numerous operational scenarios alongside various organizations of the US Army and Navy. The tests have covered desert environments, Arctic regions, maritime operations, and several military exercises including RIMPAC, Arctic Edge, Desert Ice, Bronze Ram, and Tenacious Dragon. Researchers have been able to gather data directly from operators and refine the system based on the needs encountered during missions.
The program has been developed in collaboration with the Defense Threat Reduction Agency (DTRA), the Naval Medical Research Command, the DEVCOM Chemical Biological Center of the Army, and the US Army Medical Research Institute of Infectious Diseases, with the aim of creating a common capability for the biological defense of US armed forces.
According to the NRL, F-FAST has now been transferred to the Far-Forward Biological Sequencing (FFBS) program, which will oversee its progressive introduction to end users. Concurrently, training activities are ongoing for Navy microbiologists and deployable medical units, so that personnel can become familiar with a technology that until now has been almost exclusively reserved for specialized laboratories.
The evolution of the project is also continuing with the Non-targeted Sequencing Identification System (NSIS), intended for US civil support teams against weapons of mass destruction. For program managers, the ability to conduct genetic sequencing directly in the field and even identify synthetic modifications introduced into DNA represents an important step forward in strengthening response capabilities against future biological threats.