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Galvion Unveils Hellbender UL, Building on Its Leadership in Ultra-Lightweight Helmet Systems

Wednesday, February 18th, 2026

Galvion, a world leader in the design and manufacture of innovative head systems, power and data management solutions, and integrated soldier systems, unveils the Batlskin Hellbender™ UL (Ultra-Light) helmet — a new ultra-lightweight ballistic head system developed to meet the evolving needs of modern armed forces operating at scale and seeking force-wide standardization without compromising performance. Galvion’s Hellbender™ UL launch coincides with EnforceTac 2026, taking place in Nürnberg, Germany, from 23–25 February. The new Hellbender UL, along with Galvion’s wider range of head systems and power and data solutions, will be on display at booth 9-556.

Galvion’s Hellbender™ platform has been fielded across multiple international programs to meet a variety of requirements. Notably, in August 2025, Galvion announced the award of a USD 130 million contract by the United States Marine Corps (USMC), having selected a variant of Galvion’s Hellbender platform for their Integrated Helmet System (IHS) program. This latest variant, the Hellbender UL, benefits from insights and feedback from a broad range of users over multiple years of development and in-field use across a wide range of operational theatres.

Engineered as a complete head system, the Hellbender™ UL is designed to deliver superior protection through enhanced shell geometry. Using an innovative manufacturing process that offers increased ballistic performance while reducing overall weight, the design results in exceptional structural rigidity and impact resistance. The helmet is available in four sizes (S–XL) and two cuts, including a Mid/Full cut that provides the ideal balance between maximum coverage and effortless communications integration. Featuring a low-profile, rattle-free shroud, ballistic hardware, and integrated cable channels and pass-throughs to minimize snag hazards, the helmet is designed to provide optimized coverage and stability while maintaining compatibility with face shields, night-vision devices, chem/bio masks, and other mission-critical systems. With Galvion’s best-in-class Apex™ liner system, which combines full-coverage impact protection with a highly adjustable fit architecture, Hellbender UL offers stability, comfort, and endurance over extended wear. Designed with future integration in mind, Hellbender™ UL provides a scalable foundation capable of supporting Galvion’s Cortex™ advanced computing and digital capabilities as operational requirements evolve.

Galvion’s approach to helmet system development is underpinned by proven regional production and delivery at scale. The company has invested significantly in localized manufacturing and supply-chain capability in Europe, including the establishment of its European Production Hub in Poland to support the delivery of 250,000 Caiman® helmets ordered to date through its NATO Support and Procurement Agency (NSPA) framework contract. As European forces continue to modernize their soldier systems, Galvion is committed to extending this regionalized model to support expanded adoption of its helmet platforms, including Hellbender™ UL.

Jonathan Blanshay, Executive Chairman of Galvion, said: “The Hellbender UL is an ultra-lightweight platform that is a high-performing solution aligned with the evolving needs of NATO and European forces, particularly those who require a full cut system. This is a milestone addition to our lightweight helmet portfolio, complementing our widely fielded Caiman® system, and exemplifies our system-level approach that considers not only protection, but also integration, sustainment, and future capability growth. This helmet is designed for forces that expect their equipment to evolve with them, without compromise.”

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Enforce Tac 2026: SOURCE Tactical Gear Introduces Female Ballistic Protection & Ultra-Light Military Helmet

Friday, February 13th, 2026

These initiatives reflect SOURCE’s broader investment in next-generation protective equipment and operational gear

Enforce Tac 2026, 23-25 February, Hall 6 Booth #23512 February 2026 – SOURCE Tactical Gear, a global leader in tactical protection, hydration systems, and modular load-carry solutions, announces a significant advancement in women’s ballistic protection, continuing its long-term commitment to developing dedicated solutions for female fighters and law-enforcement personnel. Building on growing operational recognition of the need for gender-specific armor, the company has developed the world’s first and only anatomically contoured hard ballistic plate designed to replicate the natural female chest form.

The innovative plate is based on a unique ceramic pressing and plate-construction technology, delivering high-level ballistic protection while incorporating a curved chest area in multiple sizes. This design eliminates weak seams and expands protection in the critical chest area, ensuring maximum coverage without compromising ballistic integrity.

When combined with SOURCE’s contoured soft ballistic panel, the system provides maximum coverage and improved fit. Flat hard plates paired with flat or partially contoured soft armor leave gaps around the chest and abdomen, while the integration of a contoured hard plate with a curved soft panel fully closes these gaps, offering enhanced ballistic coverage, improved ergonomics, and greater operational confidence.

This development builds on SOURCE’s proven experience in female soft armor solutions, already fielded by operational forces including the Italian Carabinieri, and reflects the company’s continued investment in women-specific protection driven by real-world operational requirements.

Beyond ballistic armor, SOURCE Tactical Gear continues to expand its capabilities across additional domains. The company has established a dedicated helmet manufacturing facility. Produced using advanced materials and innovative manufacturing technologies, the helmets are designed to deliver uncompromising ballistic performance while reducingweight compared to existing solutions on the market. Built to support the development and integration of advanced and disruptive technologies, the facility is already operating at high capacity, with innovative helmet solutions expected to be introduced to customers worldwide.

“Effective ballistic protection depends on precise anatomical fit and advanced materials engineering,” said Dovik Gal, Marketing Manager at SOURCE Tactical Gear. “By combining a first-of-its-kind contoured hard armor plate with curved soft ballistic panels and proprietary ceramic pressing technologies, we eliminate critical coverage gaps and deliver higher ballistic performance for women in operational environments, while continuing to invest in next-generation protective systems.”

In parallel, SOURCE continues to advance its operational gear portfolio, including its ACS rapid-access pouches, designed to improve speed, safety, and efficiency for modern military and law-enforcement forces.

www.sourcetacticalgear.net

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Shaw Concepts – ARC Helmet Cover

Tuesday, February 10th, 2026

Coming soon from Shaw Concepts is their ARC Helmet Cover.

The team went over it with me during SHOT Show and it will fit both the USMC issue ECH as well as USSOCOM’s FAST SF from Gentex. They’ve designed it so that it will fit different sized helmets as well.

The ARC Cover will be available in The cover will be available in various camouflage patterns, including MARPAT Woodland, MARPAT Desert, MultiCam, Woodland, MultiCam Tropic, and MultiCam Arid. As you can see from the photos, it’s well laid out for cable routing and accessory attachment.

The BRAIN or Balance, Retention & Anchoring Integrated Node Pouch is available now and seen above in Black. More than just a counterweight pouch, it also offers space for spare batteries

The ARC Helmet Cover is coming soon from Shaw Concepts.

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SHOT Show 26 – WARQ GEN 2 Force-on-Force Helmet

Saturday, February 7th, 2026

WARQ exhibited their new GEN 2 Force-on-Force Helmet.

Enhancements:

• EN 1385 bump certified: The only bump-certified force-on-force helmet on the market.

• D3O Halo 7 pad system: Advanced blunt impact absorption.

• Reinforced fiberglass shell.

• Improved sizing ratchet and retention system.

These are on top of the existing features of the helmet:

• Complete anti-fog ventilation system

• Extra-wide 210° visor for enhanced situational awareness

• One-size-fits-all adjustability

• Made in Europe

• EN 166A and ASTM F1776 certified protection standards

• Industry leading 5 year warranty

Available through Rampart USA.

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Mehler Protection Introduces Next-Generation Combat Helmet — Made in Germany

Friday, February 6th, 2026

FULDA, GERMANY (06.02.2026)

Mehler Protection is expanding its ballistic helmet portfolio with the Omega Core, an ultra-light combat helmet made from a high-performance UHMWPE composite, designed for modern tactical and military mission profiles.

The Omega Core combines an optimised UHMWPE composite core with a shell-integrated energy-dissipation system and an ergonomically designed interior. The result is an optimal weight-to-performance ratio that enhances mobility while reducing operational fatigue and neck strain. The helmet system will be showcased at Enforce Tac 2026 as part of Mehler Protection’s current helmet portfolio. Industry professionals, particularly those representing European armed forces, are warmly invited to visit the Mehler Systems Group stand to experience the combat helmet first-hand.

The Omega Core pairs a sophisticated ballistic construction with an open rail architecture and modular interfaces, e.g. for NVG mounts, visors, communications devices and hearing protection and more. The interior features multi-chamber pads and adaptive anchoring points to minimise micro-movements under dynamic loads, thereby improving stability, comfort, and fit. The individually adjustable suspension net provides continuous ventilation to reduce perspiration and heat build-up. The shell concept is engineered for low backface deformation and optimised fragment deflection. Thanks to its modular platform architecture, the helmet can be adapted to different mission profiles, ranging from highly mobile operations to scenarios involving variable threat environments.

“With the Omega Core we are setting the benchmark for ultra-light, fully integrable combat helmets. The system is ‘Made in Germany’, underpinned by a resilient European supply chain. Operators will benefit from a weight saving of around 20 per cent compared to the current Bundeswehr combat helmet, without compromising on protection, ergonomics or system integration,” says Dr. Mario Amschlinger, CEO of Mehler Systems.

The Omega Core is engineered as an ultra-light helmet system. It ranks at the very top of its class and delivers clear advantages in mobility and reduced fatigue during extended missions. The system is tested, among others, to the “Ballistic Helmet” system standard (Chapter 3.2, May 2010), STANAG 2920 (V50 procedure for fragment protection) and NIJ STD 0106.01. Ballistic tests with operationally relevant handgun ammunition (example calibres: 9 mm FMJ RN, .357 SIG FMJ FN, .44 Mag SJHP) are conducted to evaluate performance. These standards and additional procedures ensure that ballistic performance, impact attenuation and material durability meet the requirements expected by military users.

Production and delivery capability

Series production takes place at Mehler Protection’s dedicated facility in Fulda. The automated production line provides capacity for more than 50,000 state-of-the-art helmets per year. Mehler Protection has the organisational and technical capabilities to scale output to three times this volume at short notice upon receipt of orders. This ensures armed forces’ requirements can be met quickly and reliably. The production strategy is based on rapid scalability, a dual-sourcing approach for critical components and qualified supplier networks across Europe. Mehler Protection has demonstrated on-time delivery, high quality standards and supply chain resilience in major body armour programmes.

Innovation leadership

The Mehler Systems Group was awarded the TOP 100 seal in 2026, placing it among Germany’s most innovative mid-sized companies. This recognition highlights the Group’s consistent research and development efforts and the innovation behind products such as Omega Core, as well as numerous other solutions in the fields of personal and platform protection, load-bearing systems, and tactical clothing.

About Mehler Protection

Mehler Protection is a leading provider of high-quality ballistic protection systems for law enforcement agencies, military, and special forces. The company is committed to safety, providing innovative and robust solutions that are tailored to mission-specific requirements. Its portfolio includes ballistic body armour, stab and cut protection, helmets, shields, and platform armour for naval, air, and land vehicles, as well as critical infrastructure. As part of the Mehler Systems Group, Mehler Protection draws on over four decades of experience in developing and manufacturing customised protection solutions.

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SHOT Show 26 – WX Wraith

Wednesday, January 28th, 2026

Designed by Australia’s Buzzworks, the Wraith from Wiley X is a transparent mandible for use with helmets to provide see-through kinetic protection for those operating equipment such as weapons or vehicles.

The Wraith Transparent Ballistic Mandible protects your lower face by dissipating high-velocity impact and concussive blast waves.and connects via the helmet’s rail system. It features an Optically Correct Viewing Pane which prevents the “fisheye” effect. It also offers ample room for APEL eyepro.

WileyX.com

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Gentex Corporation Announces New Ops-Core AMP Rail Mount with Vent Mode, Increasing User Comfort Without Sacrificing Communication

Tuesday, January 27th, 2026

CARBONDALE, PA, January 26, 2026 – Gentex Corporation, a global leader in personal protection and situational awareness solutions for defense forces, emergency responders, and industrial personnel, announced today the launch of the newOps-Core AMP Helmet Rail Mount with Vent Mode for its industry-leading AMP Communications Headset. Designed and developed directly with end-user input, this enhanced productpreserves the trusted quality, form factor, adjustability, and durability of the original Helmet Rail Mount Kit while introducing enhanced airflow, comfort and stability.

The new AMP Helmet Rail Mount Kit with Vent Mode introduces a three-position system: Deployed, Vented, and Stowed. This configuration gives warfighters better control over comfort, ventilation, and communication capability in real time.

In the new Vent Mode position, the earcups shift slightly off the ears to improve airflow and relieve seal pressure while still allowing effective monitoring of communications. Importantly, Ops-Core Near Field Magnetic Induction (NFMI) Earplugs remain fully engaged in Vent Mode, providing increased noise reduction while preserving clear communications and 3D Hear-Through when used with NFMI-enabled Ops-Core headsets.

“Our customers operate in the world’s most demanding environments, and their feedback is crucial for innovation,” said Peter Harbeck, Segment Director – SOF at Gentex Corporation. “The AMP Helmet Rail Mount Kit with Vent Mode is a direct result of listening to operators who needed a better way to manage heat and comfort without losing communications. We’ve kept the same rock-solid durability and adjustability of the original design while adding an essential enhancement.”

The new rail mount maintains the same familiar form factor, world-class durability and rugged performance as the original AMP Rail Mount. It is designed to offer increased stability during dynamic movements and remains fully compatible with Ops-Core NFMI Ear Plugs for double hearing protection. The AMP Rail Mount with Vent Mode is available in three colors: tan 499, black, and ranger green.

To learn more about the AMP Rail Mount with Vent Mode, click here.

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Gentex PURSUIT Helmet System Selected as US Navy Next Generation Fixed Wing Helmet

Thursday, January 22nd, 2026

CARBONDALE, PA, January 21, 2026 – Gentex Corporationannounced today that its PURSUIT Helmet System has been selected by the US Naval Aircrew Systems program office (PMA-202) as the Next Generation Fixed Wing Helmet(NGFWH).

The Navy NGFWH awarded contract is a 5-year Indefinite Delivery, Indefinite Quantity (ID/IQ) contract to deliver over 5,000 NGFWH systems and associated spares to support the fielding of the next generation helmet across all Navy fixed wing aircraft, including E-2D, F/A-18, E/A-18G, T-45, T-6, and the in-development Undergraduate Jet Training System (UJTS),and is anticipated to total approximately $22M during the period of performance, representing one of the most significant modernization efforts for US Navy aircrew flight equipment in recent years. Awarded under PMA-202’s Helmet Mask Regulator (HMR) program and covering both Low-Rate Initial Production (LRIP) and Full-Rate Production (FRP), the selection underscores Gentex’s proven commitment to delivering next generation protective technologies that evolvewith the modern warfighter’s needs. It also further solidifies Gentex’s position as the global leader in advanced personal protection and situational awareness solutions for defense forces, aircrew, emergency responders, and industrial personnel.

“This contract award from the US Navy is a significant milestone for Gentex and demonstrates our unwaveringcommitment to advancing the world’s most innovative protection solutions for warfighters,” said Robert McCay, Vice President of Aircrew Systems at Gentex Corporation. “The PURSUIT system delivers meaningful advancements in aircrew safety, comfort, and mission performance, ensuring NavalAviators and Naval Flight Officers are equipped withtechnology that keeps pace with the rapidly evolving demands of modern aviation. We are honored to continue our trusted partnership with the US Navy and look forward to providing the US military and international allies with the PURSUIT Helmet System for decades to come.”

The Navy’s decision reflects the PURSUIT Helmet System’ssuperior performance, enhanced safety features, and modern, future-proof architecture, purpose-built to support emerging mission requirements. PURSUIT directly addresses long-standing aircrew concerns identified across the services, including neck strain from poorly balanced helmets due tosuboptimal HMD/NVG integration and heightened ejection seat injury risk. The helmet’s modular, lightweight design with an optimized center of gravity and Gentex’s collaboration with various HMD OEMs allow the delivery of advanced technology solutions that provide aircrew with an immediate, tactically relevant helmet solution that ensures 600 KEAS protection.Building on 70+ years of military partnerships, Gentex delivers a mature helmet solution that enhances warfighter capability across multiple platforms.

The PURSUIT Helmet System was developed through extensive collaboration with US Navy and US Air Force stakeholders, HMD OEMs, and international partners. Its architecture directly supports the performance attributes emphasized in the USAF’s NGFWH initiative, including improved weight distribution, enhanced HMD integration, and reduced aircrew physiological burden.

This award also signals broader readiness for adoption across US and allied military aviation communities that often look to Navy procurement decisions as a benchmark for modernization, reinforcing Gentex’s leadership role in shaping the future of aircrew protection.

About the PURSUIT Next Generation Fixed Wing Helmet System

A modern helmet for the modern fighter, PURSUIT is designed to support advances in aircraft helmet-mounted display systems.Its lightweight carbon shell reduces neck and spine strain, lowering the risk of short and long-term injuries from extended missions and high-G maneuvers. The helmet’s optimized balance and center of gravity provide aircrew with a secure,stable fit during dynamic maneuvering in all HMD/NVG configurations.

The PURSUIT helmet is also engineered for the future. Fully compliant with USN and USAF performance standards, it incorporates a Modular Open System Approach (MOSA),enabling seamless integration of current and future HMDs, advanced communications systems, and optical and respiratory protection. The result is a highly adaptable, mission-ready platform built to meet evolving warfighter needs for decades to come.

About Gentex Corporation

With a history of innovation that spans 130 years, Gentex Corporation is the leading supplier of high-performance flight equipment for military, law enforcement, aircrew and aircraft maintainers worldwide. The company’s comprehensive line of durable and innovative helmet systems for fixed wing, rotary wing, and cross-platform applications allows for the easy integration of advanced capability upgrades without sacrificing protection. An equally comprehensive line of hearing protection and communication solutions provide these users with superior hearing protection and precise, intelligible communications in the most extreme noise environments.

Click here for more information on the Gentex PURSUIT Next Generation Fixed Wing Helmet System.

NAVAIR Public Release SPR-2025-0058. Distribution Statement A – “Approved for public release; distribution is unlimited”

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