Advancing UK Aerospace, Defence, Security & Space Solutions Worldwide
  • Home
  • /
  • Defence
  • /
  • Avon Rubber awarded US Army body armour contract

Defence

Avon Rubber awarded US Army body armour contract

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.

Advertisement
ODU RT

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.”

Advertisement
ODU RT

 

Advertisement
Gulfstream banner
Saab secures UK order for Giraffe 1X radar

Defence

Saab secures UK order for Giraffe 1X radar

2 April 2026

Saab UK has received an order from the UK’s Ministry of Defence (MoD) for the compact radar system Giraffe 1X.

MGI conducts first TigerShark flights with Auterion

Aerospace Defence Security

MGI conducts first TigerShark flights with Auterion

2 April 2026

MGI Engineering Ltd (MGI) has announced the successful first flights of its TigerShark uncrewed deep strike platform, in partnership with Auterion.

Rolls-Royce secures German Puma propulsion contract

Defence

Rolls-Royce secures German Puma propulsion contract

2 April 2026

Rolls-Royce Power Systems has secured one of the largest defence contracts in its history, for around 200 new mtu PowerPacks featuring the 10V 890 engine for the Bundeswehr’s Puma infantry fighting vehicle.

UK and France to develop next-gen air-to-air missile

Defence

UK and France to develop next-gen air-to-air missile

1 April 2026

The United Kingdom and France have today signed a Memorandum of Understanding to conduct a joint study into the development of a successor to the Meteor missile, one of the world's most advanced beyond-visual-range air-to-air weapons.

Advertisement
ODU RT
Solar array to be installed at Bassingbourn Barracks

Defence Events

Solar array to be installed at Bassingbourn Barracks

1 April 2026

The Defence Infrastructure Organisation (DIO), working with Custom Solar on behalf of the British Army, held a ground-breaking ceremony for a new solar array at Bassingbourn Barracks.

QinetiQ to establish Belgian Mission Data Factory

Defence

QinetiQ to establish Belgian Mission Data Factory

1 April 2026

QinetiQ is to support the Government of Belgium in strengthening its ability to collect, manage and exploit mission data, the information and intelligence critical to modern defence operations.

Advertisement
ODU RT
Advertisement
FIA2026 animated banner