Melbourne-based Aquaterro has secured a $25.7m (A$35m) contract to upgrade the Australian Defence Force’s (ADF) Tiered Combat Helmet (TCH) fleet.
The five-year contract will see the TCH built by American company Team Wendy being refurbished outside the US for the first time.
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The helmet provides ADF soldiers with protection against ‘ballistic, fragmentation and blunt force trauma’.
It is designed to allow maximum sensory and situational awareness for the user.
The helmet incorporates a ballistic protection shell, suspension and retention systems, as well as accessory mounts and rails.
Aquaterro is the prime contractor for the Land125.3B TCH programme.
Australia Defence Industry Minister Melissa Price said: “This programme will extend the life of the Australian Defence Force’s existing fleet of tiered combat helmets by five years, and most importantly, will ensure our soldiers are protected on operations.
“Companies like Aquaterro are building robust domestic supply chains that we can rely on.
“Aquaterro’s work in establishing this programme will help ensure the ADF has the best available capability to defend Australia and its national interests.”
Work on the refurbishment and upgrade of the helmets started this month at Aquaterro’s Pakenham facility in Australia.
Most of the helmet’s required spare parts are manufactured in Australia.
Aquaterro is a supplier of tactical and safety equipment to state and federal law enforcement and border protection agencies, in addition to the ADF.
