Latvia Signs Up to €27.8 Million Helmet Framework With Galvion

Soldier Systems Daily carries Galvion's announcement that Latvia's defence procurement agency has awarded it a five-year framework contract, potentially worth up to €27.8 million, for Batlskin Hellbender helmet systems. Galvion says it is among the first Canadian defence firms to win work through the EU's Security Action for Europe (SAFE) initiative.

Key points

• Buyer: Latvia's State Centre for Defence Logistics and Procurement (VALIC), equipping the Latvian National Armed Forces.
• Scope: Hellbender helmets in high-cut and mid/full-cut versions, plus spares, accessories and long-term upkeep and refurbishment. Galvion is also set to partner with Latvian industry.
• The helmet: Galvion calls the Hellbender a light, modular ballistic helmet whose shell shape adds rear ballistic protection, rigidity and impact protection. It uses the APEX liner and is built to work with NVGs, comms gear, face shields and chemical/biological masks.
• European base: Galvion opened a production hub in Gdansk, Poland, in 2025, where helmets are assembled, finished and inspected.
• Current users: Galvion says its head systems already serve in Norway, Sweden, Finland, Denmark, the Netherlands and other countries.

Quick take

Canada's Minister of National Defence, David J. McGuinty, and Latvian Minister of Defence Raivis Melnis present the deal as evidence of closer Canada and EU defence cooperation. VALIC director Alans Andrulis said it lets the agency plan purchases across several years, with maintenance and repair included. Galvion executive chairman Jonathan Blanshay said the award validates years of investment in its European supply chain.

Read the full story at Soldier Systems Daily.