Using coatings that are already used today to help camouflage vehicles, and researchers believe they have the ability to modify it so it can absorb chemical agents.  Furthermore, DSTL researchers are especially interested in having the paint absorb and then decontaminate the agent so it will not harm soldiers.

The so-called strippable technology used on Humvees and other vehicles is designed so it can be easily removed or installed, with the color of the vehicle designed to match the surrounding environment.

The reactive coatings being developed by DSTL will include enzymes and catalysts, and it will likely still be a few years before it could find its way to the field.  There are similar coating developments in the works, but a caustic wash must be carried out before it can be disposed of safely.

"Ultimately, what we'd like to create a coating that changes color to indicate it's been contaminated, decontaminates itself, then returns to the original color when it's clean," DSTL team leader Dr. Mitchell told BBC.  "This is a long-term but not unreasonable ultimate objective."

As insurgents look to expand their attack capabilities, there is a constant threat of possible biological or chemical attack from weapons obtained from several national governments.