The three new orders for Galvion’s Batlskin Caiman® head system have been placed through its NATO Support and Procurement Agency (NSPA) framework contract. Galvion is a global pioneer in integrated head systems as well as intelligent power and data management solutions. Together with the previously reported purchases from Norway, Finland, and Sweden, these most recent orders bring the total number of helmet systems that NATO nations have ordered to over 125,000, with tens of thousands more on the way.
The company Galvion was given a framework contract by NSPA in December 2022, which makes it easier for NATO members and allies to purchase its high-performance Batlskin Caiman® head system and accessories. Galvion is investing in the construction of a European production center in Gdansk, Poland, to meet the rapidly increasing demand. The hub was first announced in September 2023 and is expected to open later this year. Concurrently, Galvion and NP Aerospace in the UK formed a production cooperation to meet the increasing demand for helmets in the UK and other NATO markets. Galvion’s Cobra® Plus helmets for the UK VIRTUS program and Batlskin Caiman® systems for NATO are currently being produced in a consistent manner thanks to this relationship.
Norway, functioning as the lead user nation and under NSPA oversight, carried out comprehensive user trials that resulted in the awarding of the NSPA framework contract that NATO members are ordering. Galvion’s Caiman® helmet system, which comes in five sizes and is outfitted with the brand-new APEX lining system—an easily adjustable design that allows users to achieve a customized fit—was chosen to meet the higher performance bracket of four specific helmet categories. Its design also provides unmatched stability for the newest visual augmentation devices. The Caiman helmet is specifically made to integrate electronics, communications headsets, and other vital equipment, both now and in the future. It is scalable for highly dynamic operations with mission-specific accessories.
The NSPA General and Cooperative Service Program Manager, Ms. Céline Danielli, stated that, “this contract is an excellent illustration of the added value that NSPA provides to both Nations and Industry.” “The Agency brings together technical requirements and the newest technology and equipment through the use of the NATO Logistics Stock Exchange, enabling Nations to procure what they need on a web-platform.”
Galvion CEO Todd Stirtzinger stated: “We’re thrilled to see more nations order our flagship Caiman head system through the NSPA, which offers NATO countries a significantly streamlined procurement route for our helmet along with an expanding list of integrated accessories. We’ve already seen Norway, Finland, and Sweden do this.” To ensure that the Caiman platform continues to evolve to meet ever-growing mission needs, we continue to work both internally and with best-in-class partners to develop and integrate capability enhancements. These include our E.D.G™ scalable power, communications, strobes, and visual displays, all of which are available through the NSPA procurement route. He continued, saying: “Our investment strategy is still centered on building a global infrastructure to meet the increasing demand for our head systems, through the establishment of a European production facility and strategic partnerships, as well as continued investment in Galvion’s domestic facilities, allowing us to effectively service demand now and into the future.”
