Defence

Avon Rubber awarded US Army body armour contract

Posted 2 March 2020

Wiltshire based Avon Rubber plc has been awarded a four year, dual source framework contract to supply the US Army with next generation Vital Torso Protection (VTP) X-Side Ballistic Insert (XSBI) body armour plates.

Courtesy Avon Rubber plc

Under the terms of the framework agreement, Avon Protection will compete for each order of the $265 million contract.

Deliveries of the initial orders are expected to commence in our 2021 financial year following receipt of product approvals.

The XSBI plates are one of a number of VTP body armour products developed by 3M’s ballistic-protection business, which Avon Protection acquired on 2nd January 2020, that form part of the US Army’s Soldier Protection System.

Together with the existing $704 million four year multi source framework contract to supply the US Army with Enhanced Small Arms Protective Insert and X-Small Arms Protective Insert body armor plates, this contract reflects Avon Protection’s strong market position and underpins its expected medium term revenues.

Commenting, Paul McDonald, Chief Executive Officer, said: “This is another significant, multi-year contract for Avon Protection and demonstrates our position as a leading provider of next generation body armor to the U.S. armed forces.

This further strengthens the medium term outlook and visibility for Avon Protection and represents encouraging momentum in our newly acquired ballistic protection business.”