UK places €12m Avon respirator order for Ukraine

Melksham, UK - The UK Ministry of Defence has awarded Avon Technologies a £10.2 million (€12 million) contract for FM50 respirators to support the Armed Forces of Ukraine.

In a 23 June statement, Avon said its FM50 mask meets NATO military specifications and provides "full-face protection" against CBRN (chemical, biological, radiological and nuclear) threats, with "very low" breathing resistance to ensure wearer comfort.

The UK manufacturer expects to start the delivery of the masks in the company's financial year 2026, starting 1 Oct. 

Avon CEO Jos Sclater said the order underscored the company’s role in supporting both UK and allied defence forces.

“This order demonstrates our critical contribution to the overall health and resilience of the UK defence industrial base,” he said.

The FM50 contract builds on a previous deal with MoD to supply 'Exoskin boots and gloves' for the UK military.