US military chiefs have ordered another batch of state-of-the-art helmets from defence manufacturer Avon Protection in a $38m (£30m) deal announced today.
The Melksham-based group, which specialises in protective gear, masks and breathing equipment for the military and first-responder markets, will supply the US Army with more of its Next Generation Integrated Head Protection System (NG IHPS) helmets under the terms of the order.
It will be the second delivery of the helmets to the US secured by Avon since it launched the product five years ago.
In January Avon told shareholders that work to ramp up production on the helmet, pictured, was ongoing, ahead of first deliveries in the second half of this year to the US Army as part of its initial $42.1m order.
The NG IHPS is claimed to be 5% lighter than previous helmets, while offering improved blunt force impact, passive hearing and ballistic protection.
It has already been used by US troops in combat zones, including Afghanistan, Iraq and Syria and was reported to have saved a soldier’s life in Afghanistan when a brick thrown at his vehicle hit his head while he was wearing the helmet.
Avon Protection chief executive officer Jos Sclater said: “We have a rich history of protecting US military personnel with our advanced protection solutions and we look forward to working alongside our customer as they continue to develop their military capability.”
In February Avon Protection received a second delivery order, worth $6.7m, from the US government for its Advanced Combat Helmet. Initial deliveries to the US Defense Logistics Agency are expected to start next year, positioning the firm as the leading helmet supplier to the US defence department.
The group, which changed its name in 2021 from Avon Rubber, employs more than 1,000 people in seven locations.
