Galvion releases Caiman UL for unexpected comfort

Galvion has released details of its new Caiman Ultra-Light ballistic helmet ahead of the AUSA 2025 exhibition. The new helmet “pushes the boundaries for elite teams where literally every ounce counts.  It gives them the performance they need and the comfort that, candidly, they didn’t know that they could expect,” Todd Stirtzinger, the Galvion CEO said in the October 10 press release.  

The new helmet is lighter than the original Caiman, which has been selected for a number of conventional forces, including the Canadian Army’s Dismounted Infantry Capability Enhancement programme. It is already in trials with unnamed special forces users and expected to be commercially available from 2026. 

The Caiman Ultra-Light is available in five sizes and is designed to minimise weight and bulk but provide the same level of protection as the Caiman Tactical Light helmets. This helmet weighs just 1.31 kg in size XXL when fitted with an NVG shroud, rails, and bungee. The helmets provide protection to NIJ level IIIA, which means it has been tested to withstand .44 Magnum and .357 SIG ammunition fired from longer barreled handguns.   

The helmet has been designed and improved over the past seven years, relying on close cooperation with the users. This has led to a refined version of Galvion’s APEX liner system, which has stronger camlocks and anchor system. This helps ensure that the straps do not come loose during use. The chin cup and buckle are designed to make the helmet easier to take off, and provide a more natural fit respectively. This is coupled with the night vision shroud, which includes rubber bumpers to prevent goggles from rattling and an interchangeable shroud plate in anticipation of future technology. 

Galvion takes its product development seriously, and has its own Warfighter Lab. This facility enables live testing, as well as mixed reality, and virtual reality. It is run by a double-PhD, who puts users through various simulations and takes measurements of their Galvion equipment. “We can measure the movement of the goggles and the eyes behind them relative to the movement of the helmet, and see how we can refine our products,” Todd told Calibre Defence in September. 

Calibre comment: Ounces make pounds

Weight saving is a key concern for personal equipment and companies will develop bespoke products for special forces operators designed specifically around weight. Generally speaking, soldiers are being asked to carry more equipment without any compromises in terms of what they are not being asked to carry. Some may be fortunate enough to have uncrewed ground vehicles that accompany them into battle, carrying their heaviest equipment. But otherwise, they are expected to carry radios, body armour, situational awareness systems like the ATAK, rifles, ammunition, and now drones. A lot of this kit comes with batteries, which means spare batteries may be needed too. So, saving a few ounces on the helmet can make a big difference to soldier comfort, which in turn helps ensure they actually wear them. 

By Sam Cranny-Evans, published on October 13, 2025. The lead image shows the Caiman Ultra-Light helmet. You can visit Galvion and see the helmet as well as other products at booth #643 at AUSA 2025. Credit: Galvion.