Canada places follow-on order for Galvion’s Batlskin Caiman helmets
The Canadian Department of National Defence (DND) has placed a second follow-on order with US-based Galvion for Batlskin Caiman ballistic helmet systems.
The latest order will see the company supply an additional 5,000 helmets, each accompanied by two helmet covers, to DND Canada.
This order is part of the ongoing Canadian Dismounted Infantry Capability Enhancement (DICE) programme signed in February 2023.
Galvion CEO Todd Stirtzinger said: “We are exceedingly proud to receive another significant order from the Canadian DND for their DICE programme. Repeat orders like this demonstrate partner confidence and end-user satisfaction, both of which are core drivers for everything that we do at Galvion.”
Delivery for the new order is scheduled for early 2026.
Galvion was first contracted to provide 2,100 helmets and 4,200 helmet covers.
In the second year of the five-year framework contract, last July, DND opted to procure an extra 8,400 helmets and 16,800 covers.
This brought the total DICE programme procurement to 10,500 helmets and 21,000 covers, all of which were delivered successfully.
The DICE programme’s evaluation process involved trials by members of the Canadian Light Infantry Battalion at the end of 2022.
These trials were conducted under operational conditions and tested the compatibility of the helmet with other equipment such as eyewear, night-vision goggles, gas masks, hearing protection, and cold-weather gear.
With the current follow-on order, the DICE programme’s acquisitions now exceed 15,000 helmets and 30,000 covers within the first three years of the contract.
Galvion developed the Caiman helmet system over several years through close collaboration with and feedback from the Nato Special Operations Forces (SOF) community. The system has been widely adopted across various Nato countries.
The helmet is designed to be equipped with electronics, communications headsets, and other equipment. It features Galvion’s APEX lining system for a customisable fit.
“We are seeing significant increases in demand across all of our head system platforms, with the Caiman helmet seeing far and wide adoption beyond the SOF community, as evidenced by this DICE contract but also the continued receipt of orders from Nato countries through our Nato Support and Procurement Agency (NSPA) framework contract,” Stirtzinger added.
In February this year, Galvion received orders for its helmet systems from customers in the Middle East region at the International Defence Exhibition in the United Arab Emirates’ capital, Abu Dhabi.
