DSEI 2025: Avon Protection unveils MITR-PG1 CBRN goggles

Avon Protection launched a new CBRN (chemical, biological, radiological, and nuclear) product at DSEI 2025 – the MITR-PG1 Powered Goggle – meant to be used as part of the wider MITR system for protection against low-mid CBRN threat environments. 

Avon – the supplier of the General Service Respirator (GSR) to the British Armed Forces – had a dedicated booth in the Land Zone at DSEI, displaying a range of their products, including respirators, rebreathers, and full CBRN suits. 

The MITR system – composed of the M1 half-mask and the newly launched PG1 Powered Goggle – is designed to fill a gap in the market between civilian N95/FFP2 masks and full military respirators such as the UK MoD’s GSR. N95-style masks do not provide the requisite protection against most CBRN threats, while traditional respirators like the GSR are comparatively bulky, restrictive, and ‘overkill’ for the majority of the most common chemical and biological threats. 

By comparison, the M1 half mask is made specifically for easy donning and doffing, and – unlike heavier respirators – is small and light enough to be kept in cargo pockets. It can be fitted with a communications system for integration with personal radios, and is designed to clip directly onto tactical helmets, unlike most respirators which require removal of the helmet to don. 

The new MITR-PG1 goggles integrate easily with the M1 half mask, are battery-powered and push filtered air around the wearer’s eyes, assisting with protection from hazards while also vastly reducing the chance of visor fogging. While the MITR system does not provide the same level of protection as a standard military respirator, it is far lighter at 250g and less cumbersome, and provides sufficient protection for most common CBRN threats such as riot agents, smoke, asbestos, and biological agents such as ricin or anthrax.

The expected target market for MITR includes teams of military, security, or first responder and rescue personnel who might not routinely expect to operate in seriously contaminated environments, but need a light and easily-donned option for protection. An example scenario might be police forces needing to enter an asbestos-contaminated structure to apprehend a perpetrator, or a light infantry unit clearing a building full of smoke. Another use-case is for training and on indoor ranges, where firers are vulnerable to inhalation of particulates from weapon discharge.

The EXOSKIN S1 suit was also displayed at DSEI. Credit: Avon Protection.

Separate from the MITR system, Avon also displayed the Exoskin S1 CBRN system. The Exoskin is designed to be lighter than traditional CBRN suits, with great emphasis put on minimising mobility loss while not compromising on protection thanks to serious consideration given to correct fit and materials. Avon expects the target market to be for personnel who operate either in a specialist capacity and therefore will spend long periods of time in suits, or those who expect to fight at high tempo in CBRN environments. In particular, both suits and their associated respirators and optional powered air systems like the MP-PAPR are designed to be usable in restricted spaces and subterranean environments such as tunnels, basements and trenches.

Calibre Comment

Evidence from the war in Ukraine suggests that, while the use of high-level CBRN threats such as nerve or blister agents might be rare, the Russian military is happy (against the laws of war) to make use of riot agents and white phosphorus as weapons to clear trenches and urban areas. 

Avon’s offer of lighter, more mobile CBRN personal protective equipment reflects changing doctrinal approaches to CBRN in the UK. While the original doctrine was focused on maximising protection and a ‘fight and survive’ mentality, the new approach might best be described as ‘fight to win’. Rather than either hunker down or withdraw from CBRN hot zones, troops will be expected to fight through CBRN environments successfully. This requires an approach to protection that minimises discomfort, restriction and heat exhaustion – the latter traditionally the greatest danger for troops operating in full ‘4 Romeo’ CBRN suits. Ensuring that troops are hindered as little as possible by their protective gear will be critical to winning the firefight in any CBRN environment. 

By Matthew Palmer, published on September 17, 2025. Credit for the lead image is Avon Protection Systems.