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ADAPTIV Defense Launches The F.L.I. Drone Goggle Harness

Wednesday, August 12th, 2026

Spring Hill, TN – Today, military and law enforcement SUAS/FPV operators face a number of challenges with emerging drone technology. One of those challenges is having a streamlined way to wear FPV goggles while wearing a helmet. Most FPV goggles come equipped with an elastic headband requiring the user to remove their helmet to put on and take off the goggles. The ADAPTIV Defense F.L.I. (Fast Latch Integrated) Drone Goggle Harness utilizes magnetic Fidlock® attachment points mounted directly on modular helmet rails giving the user the ability to quickly don and doff their system without the burden of Velcro, bungees, or losing the ability to have their NVG system mounted in their helmet shroud.

The system includes a neckband safety strap allowing the drone operator to keep the goggle retained and accessible while managing their SUAS or maintaining readiness with their rifle. An included padded headband allows the user to swap to a more conventional wearing-method when the helmet is not required. The headband also comes with hook and loop straps for users that head mount their battery packs.

At ADAPTIV Defense, we take professional user feedback seriously, and during the development of this harness system, several updates were made based on current military SUAS operator requests to ensure the best user experience possible. The standard F.L.I. kit includes two ARC Rail helmet mounts.Alternative mounting solutions for helmets like the ARMY IHPS are available upon request. More information can be found HERE and inquires can be directed to: contact@adaptivdefense.com

Posted in Helmets, Optics, Press Release | No Comments »

Aquaterro Secures Over $160m in Survivability and Lethality Contracts with ADF

Tuesday, August 4th, 2026

The Australian Government today announced two major Department of Defence contracts signed with Aquaterro for arms and armour. It is one of the largest Defence contract-value announcements to any Australian company of 2026.

Founded 32 years ago, Aquaterro is 100% Australian owned and employs around 70 Australians, working in close cooperation with world-class US OEM partners.

Aquaterro supplies, integrates, supports, maintains, and manufactures products and systems for: defence, law enforcement, first response, and rescue, for Sea, Land, and Air domains.

“The confidence and trust the Commonwealth has shown in Aquaterro, is incredibly rewarding for our team.” said Aquaterro Founder and CEO, Graeme Bulte.

“These vital elements of the Integrated Soldier System, combining both Arms and Armour, with total integration, engineering, support and sustainment being provided by Australians, in Australia, is a great example of what can be accomplished with an Australian owned company delivering on major contract requirements for Australians in uniform.”

Bulte went on to say; “The long-standing partnerships we have with SIG SAUER and Team Wendy Ceradyne are critical to the success of the work we do and these programs in particular; supporting the Australian Warfighter with the very best equipment in the world.”

The two Soldier Systems contracts the Australian Department of Defence has signed with Aquaterro are;

The Combat Helmet Contract an investment by the Australian Department of Defence of up to AUD$160 million (US$115m), for supply and support of the Combat Helmet and Combat Vehicle Crewman-Enhanced Helmet, as well as enabling advancements in technology to be adopted throughout the contract term. Aquaterro has invested in the only Combat Ballistic Helmet Refurbishment Facility outside the United States, a multi-million dollar sovereign capability which provides through-life complete refurbishment of the fleet to ensure protection and life-of- type value is maximised.

Aquaterro has supported the ADF with headborne protection systems for 10 years, supplying over 75,000 Team Wendy ballistic helmets, as well as Armor Source/Peacemaker CVC-E helmets, and conducting refurbishment maintenance services on over 30,000 helmets from the ADF fleet.

Graeme Bulte said; “The close working relationship we have had for over a decade with Team Wendy Ceradyne, is the key to the success of the program to date, and behind our selection by the Commonwealth to continue this capability provision.”

The new contract also includes the provision of 100% Designed and Made in Australia Peacemaker® camouflage helmet covers for Combat and CVC-E Helmets. Aquaterro and its’ Peacemaker® design and manufacturing enterprise, is one of the very few entities licensed to manufacture with AMCU (Australian Multicam Camouflage Uniform). The first purchase order under the new contract for Peacemaker® Helmet Covers has been published, valued at AUD$2.45m (US$1.72m).

Peacemaker® has become Australia’s premier domestic brand of tactical textile products, with widespread major contract supply to Australian state and federal law enforcement, as well as Defence.

The Aquaterro Services Contract, a versatile “Support” contract (similar in many ways to a US IDIQ contract) in support of the Australian Army’s Integrated Soldier Systems LAND300 Program, will provide recurring-services direct support for SIG SAUER small-arms systems, as well as enable future provisions and next generations of technology and support. The work will be centred at Aquaterro’s 4.5 acre, high-security defence precinct, including, its armoury, range, secure warehouse, advanced manufacturing workshops, and integration facility. The contract includes the joint capabilities of Aquaterro and SIG SAUER working together collaboratively to directly support the Australian Defence Force.

Graeme Bulte said; “The collaborative partnership Aquaterro and SIG have developed over many years, is best described in SIG’s stated mission: to be a reliable, long-term partner to our customers, recognized for the quality and value of our products and the reliability of our commitments. This newly executed contract will provide the Australian Defence Force with the direct benefit of that commitment, and the vertical capability SIG and Aquaterro can deliver.”

Aquaterro has invested over $25m in specialised high-security defence infrastructure to support Integrated Soldier Systems, including small arms, ammunition, and ancillaries. All SIG small arms systems supplied to Defence to date, have completed their manufacturing and final checks at Aquaterro’s facility, where specialised laser marking to meet ADF requirements is conducted.

Australian Federal Minister for Defence Industry, the Hon. Pat Conroy MP said;

“This investment is about keeping Australian soldiers, sailors and aviators safe and supporting local defence industry and jobs. Aquaterro’s work will play an important role in strengthening Australia’s sovereign domestic supply chains and supporting the sustainment of critical ADF capability.”

The two contracts represent a substantial investment by the Australian Government to support the individual men and women of the Australian Defence Force – the most important of all defence platforms – with world leading integrated soldier systems.

Posted in Contracts, Helmets, International, Press Release | 1 Comment »

12 Months In: Galvion’s Poland Operation Emerges as a European and NATO Centre of Excellence

Thursday, July 30th, 2026

Galvion, a world leader in the design and manufacture of innovative head systems, power and data management solutions, and integrated soldier systems, has announced that at the 12-month point from formal opening, their European and NATO production hub in Gdansk, Poland, has emerged as a significant centre of excellence.

Galvion’s facility was first announced in September 2023, was completed in June 2024, and was fully operational in April 2025. The facility was formally opened by Her Excellency, Catherin Godin, the Ambassador of Canada to the Republic of Poland, at a ceremony held on 23rd June 2025. The facility represents a major investment that has significantly strengthened Galvion’s regional support and service strategy. With both production and support capabilities, Galvion has been serving their widespread European and NATO customers from a geographically aligned centre of excellence.

Since the formal opening last June, Galvion’s Gda?sk manufacturing facility has rapidly established itself as the cornerstone of the company’s European and NATO operations. In just 12 months, the site has grown to employ more than 100 people and has shipped over 90,000 ballistic helmets to NATO allies, supporting customers in 10 countries across NATO and allied nations worldwide, including Europe, Canada and the Middle East. With an annual production capacity of 100,000 helmets on a single shift, the facility manufactures multiple helmet platforms and has established a robust European manufacturing footprint, strengthening supply chain resilience and enabling closer proximity to customers. Continued investment in advanced technologies, automation and expanded production capabilities underscores Galvion’s long-term commitment to innovation, operational excellence and supporting the evolving needs of defence and security partners across Europe and beyond.

Following consecutive program awards from key European nations, including a NATO Support and Procurement Agency (NSPA) framework contract, Galvion is expecting to have close to 2 million helmets in service across NATO and other European countries by the end of 2026. The Polish factory houses helmet finishing and assembly capabilities, in addition to critical support, maintenance, refurbishment, upgrade and training operations. Galvion’s existing core facilities in Canada and the USA continue to design, develop, manufacture and service domestic, regional, and key global programs, customers, production and support requirements.

Building on its long-established leadership in ballistic head protection, Galvion is now extending the role of the helmet as the foundation of an integrated soldier system. The company’s latest Cortex™ EVO and EVO HALO technologies enable power, data and digital capabilities to be incorporated directly into existing or new helmet platforms, creating a pathway for militaries to modernize equipment already in service. As these capabilities are introduced across European programs, Galvion’s Gda?sk facility is positioned to support both new production and the upgrade, refurbishment and integration of in-service helmet fleets, further expanding its role as a regional centre of excellence.

Jonathan Blanshay, Founder and Executive Chairman at Galvion, said: “When we invested in Poland, our objective was never simply to build another manufacturing facility. We wanted to establish a long-term operational centre that could serve our European and NATO customers with local production, sustainment, modernization and technical support. One year later, the team has exceeded our expectations and demonstrated exactly what that model can achieve.” He continued:

“Looking ahead, the opportunity is even greater. As soldiers become increasingly connected, the helmet is evolving into the platform that brings together protection, power, data and digital capability. Our vision is to help customers not only procure next-generation integrated systems but also upgrade equipment already in service. Gda?sk will play a central role in delivering that capability across Europe for many years to come.”

Posted in Helmets, International, Manufacturing, Press Release | Comments Off on 12 Months In: Galvion’s Poland Operation Emerges as a European and NATO Centre of Excellence

The MOHOC Spine

Monday, July 27th, 2026

Spine is a cable management system for helmets designed to keep them flush.

Features:

•Modular stitched sections allow multiple entry/exit points and precise cable routing on helmets and body-worn platforms.
•Cut between segments without loss of integrity. Use single sections or extend, curve, and overlap for complex cable pathways.
•Designed for MOHOC® Cameras; adaptable to any cabled device on helmets, chest rigs, packs, vehicles, K9, and beyond. Works seamlessly with MOHOC® Shoulder Mount.
•Keeps cables aligned and flat against helmets, shoulders, torso, and dismounted gear.
•Supports a wide-range of commercial and MIL-SPEC cables with elastic webbing over tactical nylon. Hook backing integrates with loop patches; adhesive loop included
•Available as single units or 3-packs with purpose-built MOLLE pouch. Custom models available.

www.mohoc.com/product/spine

Posted in Helmets | 2 Comments »

Avon Technologies plc Appoints Vasilios Brachos as Team Wendy President

Thursday, July 23rd, 2026

Longtime ballistic helmet leader to guide next chapter of protection, innovation and growth

CLEVELAND, Ohio – July 22, 2026 – Team Wendy®, a leading provider of head protection systems for military, law enforcement, search and rescue, and adventure sports, announces the appointment of Vasilios Brachos as President of Team Wendy, effective immediately. Brachos will also join the Avon Technologies plc Group Executive Committee.

Brachos brings nearly 25 years of experience developing advanced head protection systems and a deep understanding of customer requirements in some of the world’s most demanding environments. This appointment strengthens Team Wendy’s focus on innovation, operational excellence and expanding its presence across military, commercial and international markets.

Team Wendy has built a reputation for innovation in helmet systems, impact protection and wearer performance, combining pioneering ballistic protection technologies with industry-leading traumatic brain injury (TBI) mitigation and comfort solutions. Supported by a highly skilled manufacturing workforce and ongoing investment in innovation, Team Wendy delivers advanced integrated head protection systems designed for demanding operational environments.

Throughout his career, Brachos has worked at the intersection of materials science, engineering and user-centered design. He has held senior technology and product development roles that have contributed to advancements in ballistic helmets, helmet pads, retention systems and soldier-system integration. His experience reflects the same commitment to technical excellence, innovation and customer understanding that has defined Team Wendy for decades.

As President, Brachos will lead the next phase of Team Wendy’s strategy, focused on strengthening its position in core military markets while accelerating growth in U.S. commercial and international markets through new products, operational excellence and outstanding customer service.

Vasilios Brachos, Team Wendy President said: “Team Wendy has a proud heritage of innovation and a strong reputation for protecting those who protect others. I am honored to lead the business at such an exciting time and look forward to working with our talented team to continue serving our customers, advancing new technologies and driving the next phase of growth.”

Jos Sclater, CEO of Avon Technologies plc commented: “We have strong ambitions for Team Wendy’s future. We see opportunities to grow by defending our leadership position in defense markets while increasing our share in U.S. commercial and international markets through innovative products, operational excellence and outstanding customer service. Vasilios is uniquely qualified to lead that next phase of growth. His combination of technical expertise, industry credibility and customer understanding will help us continue bringing new solutions to market and continue helping our customers perform at their best in the world’s most demanding environments.”

Learn more about the mission at teamwendy.com.

Posted in Admin, Helmets, Industry, Press Release | No Comments »

Adept Armor Launches the Nova Titanium Combat Helmet: A True Metal Ballistic Helmet at Composite-Helmet Weight

Tuesday, July 7th, 2026

The titanium evolution of the NovaSteel™ platform delivers rated 9mm protection at 920 grams all-in, low backface deformation, edge-to-edge coverage, and an indefinite shelf life at roughly a quarter the price of premium polyethylene helmets.

Denison, TX. (July 2026) – Adept Armor, pioneers in next-gen protective solutions, today announce the launch of the Nova Titanium™ Combat Helmet, a high-cut ballistic helmet drawn from a single continuous shell of the company’s proprietary 260LC™ toughened titanium. At 920 grams (2.0 lbs.) all-in in size L/XL (shell, pads, retention, and standard hardware included), Nova Titanium delivers the protection and durability of a metal helmet at a weight previously reserved for premium composite helmets, and within an ounce of a non-ballistic bump helmet.

The launch marks a deliberate challenge to the premium polyethylene (PE) helmet category, which has defined lightweight ballistic head protection for the better part of a decade. Adept’s argument is direct: a formed titanium shell can match the weight of the lightest elite PE helmets while beating them on backface deformation, damage tolerance, environmental durability, and service life at a fraction of the price. Nova Titanium is the titanium evolution of Adept’s established NovaSteel™ metal-helmet line and is fully compatible with the entire NovaSteel accessory ecosystem.

The core achievement is weight. A metal ballistic helmet has historically meant a heavy one. 260LC, Adept’s proprietary titanium armor alloy, was engineered to combine two properties that normally pull against each other, helmet-scale formability and ballistic toughness, allowing a continuous combat-profile shell to be drawn from solid titanium with no resin matrix holding the ballistic structure together.

At 920 grams all-in (L/XL), Nova Titanium sits at or below the published complete-system weights of the lightest premium PE helmets, including the Team Wendy EXFIL Ballistic SL (1.01–1.05 kg), Ops-Core FAST SF (1.06 kg), MTEK FLUX Ballistic (1.0 kg), and Galvion Caiman Ballistic (1.13–1.23 kg), and within roughly 30 grams (one ounce) of the non-ballistic Ops-Core FAST Bump XL. In short: near-bump-helmet weight, with real rated 9mm protection, at the weight of helmets costing three to four times as much. The helmet ships in M and L/XL in a high-cut profile sized to clear modern hearing protection.

Nova Titanium is rated to stop 9mm FMJ at 400 m/s, or 1,312 ft/s, with low backface deformation. NIJ 0106.01, the only NIJ standard written specifically for ballistic helmets, contains no “Level IIIA”; helmets marketed as “NIJ IIIA” generally borrow terminology from body armor standards or material-level test conventions. In practice, most premium PE helmets publish their actual 9mm data at 364–365 m/s (1,195 ft/s) under modified military protocols, sometimes with relaxed deformation allowances of up to 29mm. Nova Titanium’s 400 m/s rating is roughly 10 percent higher in velocity and about 21 percent higher in projectile energy than that published test point, with BFD usually in the single digits.

Because the shell is solid metal, not a resin stack, Nova Titanium offers continuous protective coverage to the rim; no unprotected edge band, no composite-style weak zone where the ballistic material can fold over upon impact. Titanium does not delaminate: a strike may leave a visible mark, but it does not create an invisible laminate failure plane, so damage can be seen and evaluated in the field, and multi-hit durability holds up.

That same metal construction gives the shell an indefinite service life. Where premium composite helmets carry a five-year clock, resin ages, laminates can hide post-impact damage, and shells generally aren’t certified past five years, titanium does not rust, delaminate, or degrade under ordinary UV, solvents, sweat, rain, seawater, or temperature swings. Pads and soft goods are replaceable wear items; the shell endures for decades. For procurement buyers, that reframes the helmet as a total-cost-of-ownership decision rather than a recurring replacement line item.

Nova Titanium is built around the complete NovaSteel accessory ecosystem, so every module carries across the line: the Combat Circlet (NVG shroud and rails mounted through existing retention holes; no new holes drilled), the Ballistic Mandible and Gen 2 flip mandible and face shield sets, the helmet tail for nape protection, NVG shroud and rails, and a forthcoming blast liner. Accessories bought for a NovaSteel helmet transfer directly to Nova Titanium.

Where premium PE ballistic helmets typically retail for $1,400 to $2,100, Nova Titanium is $390, roughly a quarter to a fifth of premium PE pricing. Adept’s position is that the high cost of lightweight ballistic head protection has been a primary barrier keeping helmets off the heads of the officers and operators most likely to need them.

“For years, buyers have been handed a false choice,” said Jake Ganor, Founder of Adept Armor. “Either a light helmet that’s expensive, soft-shelled, and expires in five years, or a tough metal helmet that’s heavier than the most modern composite options. Nova Titanium refuses that trade: A true metal helmet, drawn from one continuous titanium shell, that weighs what the best composite helmets weigh, deforms less under a hit, covers edge to edge, and doesn’t carry a best-before date. This is by far the lightest metal helmet we’ve ever built, at a price that finally puts hard-shell head protection within the reach of the people.”

Nova Titanium arrives as law enforcement head protection is being rethought. The DEA-FBI Ballistic Helmet Protocol of 2024 reframed the police helmet as a complete system built around pistol-caliber threats, exposing the real barriers to wider adoption: weight, price, backface deformation, and service life. Nova Titanium is engineered to address all four at once and to serve military, tactical, and prepared-civilian users for whom the same trade-offs apply.

The Nova Titanium Combat Helmet is now available worldwide to commercial, law enforcement, military, and tactical buyers at http://www.ade.pt and through Adept Armor’s sales channels. An independent ballistic resistance test report is available on request.

Nova Titanium Combat Helmet Specifications:

Weight: 920 g (2.0 lbs.) all in, size L/XL

Shell Material: 260LC proprietary toughened titanium armor alloy

Ballistic Rating: 9mm FMJ at 400 m/s (1,312 ft/s), low backface deformation

Cut: High-cut, headset-compatible, accessory-ready

Coverage: Full edge-to-edge metal protection to the rim

Size: M and L/XL

Color: Black, Green, Raw Titanium

Service Life: Indefinite titanium shell service life; pads and soft goods replaceable

Compatibility: Full NovaSteel accessory ecosystem: Combat Circlet, ballistic mandible, Gen 2 flip mandible and face shield sets, helmet tail, NVG shroud, rails, and blast liner. Future titanium accessories forthcoming.

Price: $390/helmet

For more information on Adept Armor, visit its websiteor follow along on Instagram, Facebook, or YouTube.

Posted in Helmets, Press Release | 1 Comment »

Galvion Cortex EVO Update

Tuesday, July 7th, 2026

Fourteen years ago, Galvion was awarded its first helmet contract with NATO. Since then they have worked to improve the fit and function of their helmets as well as integrate communications and computing capabilities. The result is the second release in the Cortex ecosystem, EVO.

A year ago we showed you Galvion’s Cortex system, promising that eventually, it would move beyond an appliqué to become fully integrated into the helmet. With EVO, Galvion has delivered on that promise.

Right up front it’s important to acknowledge that Galvion made it very clear to us, Cortex EVO isn’t a helmet, it’s a platform.

EVO offers full integration of enablers and is lightweight with a small form factor. Ultimately it could be described as “slick.” You don’t encounter a helmet covered in cables. Starting with a ballistic core and building outward, Cortex EVO integrates embedded power/data pathways and features an outer lightweight composite shell.

During the development of Cortex EVO, Galvion started with what most of us would consider the inside out. Essentially, Galvion embedded the capabilities developed for Cortex within the helmet. They refined their electro-optical / communications platform and then sandwiched it between the ballistic inner and outer composite shell. This approach was based on operator feedback who were satisfied with each of the individual capabilities provided by modern headborne systems but were dissatisfied with the integration of them into a single platform.

Technically, they have taken Cortex to the next level. Not only is EVO the nexus of information for the operator but it also serves as a node in a larger network, connecting the eyes and ears to the system but also offerering onboard processing. Likewise it can share computational demands with the operator’s End User Device with the connection accomplished through a single cable lead.

As part of a “get your head out of your TAK” effort, Galvion has also rolled out AlertCentr, which interfaces with Tactical Awareness Kit and features configurable visual and audio cues so operators can react to alerts.

One interesting feature that the full headborne hemlet integration of EVO has afforded is that the computational module incorporates thermal signature management. The platform is also programmable and upgradable as additional capabilities are developed with plug and play capabilities for new enablers as they roll out.

The Galvion team also showed me how the same technology can be applied to a standard helmet, like their Caiman. This EVO HALO configuration has all the same technology and capabilities delivered in a system that can be added to an existing helmet with minimal retrofitting. This slick and lightweight. And while a little heavier than the fully embedded system, it offers a great upgrade path for existing Users

Another important feature for EVO is that it is fully manufacturable at this point and can be maintained at the unit with minimal training. This is not a science project and is ready for unconstrained trials. In fact, Galvion representatives told me that they want to see the platform out there in full operational use.

www.galvion.com

Posted in Advertiser, Helmets, SOF Week | 1 Comment »

Lackawanna Police Department Visits Gentex Corporation to Take Delivery of Ops-Core FAST Helmet Systems

Monday, June 29th, 2026

CARBONDALE, PA, June 29, 2026 — Gentex Corporation, a global leader in personal protection and situational awareness solutions for defense forces and emergency responders, recently welcomed the Lackawanna Police Department at its headquarters in Carbondale, Pennsylvania. During the visit,officers took delivery of Ops-Core® FAST® helmet systems and participated in product familiarization and feedback sessions with the Gentex team.

“The Lackawanna County SWAT Team is extremely grateful to Gentex Corporation for their generous support over the years,” said Guy Salerno, Blakely Borough Police Chief, President of Lackawanna County Chiefs of Police Association, Lackawanna County SWAT team member. “They directly support the safety and readiness of our team. We sincerely appreciate their investment in the protection of our operators and the community we serve.”

The visit marks another step in Gentex’s ongoing commitment to supporting law enforcement agencies through direct partnership, product innovation, and engagement with the officers who rely on their equipment on the job. It also highlighted the company’s connection to the local community, where many Gentex employees live and work alongside officers who serve the region every day.

“Supporting the officers who protect our communities is something we take great pride in at Gentex,” said Fred Grimm, VP of Commercial Sales Americas at Gentex Corporation. “Hosting the Lackawanna Police Department at our facility gave us the opportunity to not only deliver and train on their new helmet systems but also hear directly from the officers about the challenges they face in the field every day. Those conversations are critical to ensuring we continue developing solutions that meet the evolving needs of law enforcement.”

The Ops-Core FAST helmet systems being fielded are designed to provide advanced ballistic protection, comfort, and modularity for a wide range of law enforcement missions. Built on a legacy of proven performance, these systems integrate features that support extended wear, communications equipment, and mission-specific accessories, helping officers operate effectively in dynamic and high-risk environments.

Posted in Advertiser, Contracts, Helmets, LE, Press Release | 2 Comments »