Avon lands helmet supply deal from US defence agency

Melksham, UK – Avon Protection has been awarded a contract to supply the US Defense Logistics Agency with the second-generation of its advanced combat helmet.

The contract has a maximum value of $204 million (€178 million) over a five-year duration, being a one-year base period with a maximum value of $46 million plus four further one-year extension options, Avon said 8 Feb. 

The UK manufacturer expects initial revenues in its 2024 financial year, starting October 2023. first article testing is expected to be completed in 2023.

"This is another significant, multi-year helmet contract for Avon Protection, following the award for the US Army next-generation integrated head protection system,” said CEO Paul McDonald.

The new generation of helmets combine Ceradyne's helmet shell moulding capabilities, acquired from 3M in 2019, and Team Wendy's helmet liner and retention system technologies, which Avon bought in November 2020.

“[With the new technology] We have further enhanced our leadership position in helmet technology and broadened our portfolio, increasing our competitiveness in mid-specification ballistic helmets,” McDonald said.