Galvion wins USMC Contract for Integrated Helmet System

Galvion, a manufacturer of soldier systems, has been awarded a significant contract by the U.S. Marine Corps for a new Integrated Helmet System (IHS). The five-year indefinite-delivery/indefinite-quantity (IDIQ) contract, with a maximum value of over $131 million, was issued by the Marine Corps Systems Command (MCSC). 

The contract follows an extensive design and development process that took place over several years. Galvion and the MCSC engaged in a collaborative development process that included extensive feedback from Marines themselves to meet the specific operational requirements of the Marines.  Galvion delivered prototypes in two configurations for testing, which included ballistic test:

• ‘Block 0’ Baseline System: This is the foundational helmet, complete with a shroud for night vision devices (NVDs), rails for accessories, and the Apex™ liner system.
• ‘Block 1’ Integrated System: Building on the baseline, this version adds the E.D.G scalable power pack and cables to power advanced accessories, including integrated strobes, task lights, and communication devices.

Todd Stirtzinger, Galvion’s CEO, emphasized the strengths of this partnership. “The development process for this system highlights the Marine Corps Systems Command’s commitment to working with industry to find the absolute best solution for Marines,” he said. “We incorporated feedback after every evaluation stage to ultimately deliver a system that has been designed by Marines, for Marines.”

2025 has been a successful year for Galvion with a further order under the Dismounted Infantry Capability Enhancement programme in Canada amounting to 5,000 additional helmets, and a 35,000 helmet order from a Middle Eastern customer. 

Key term: indefinite-delivery/indefinite-quantity (IDIQ) contract

Instead of specifying an exact amount of goods or services from the start, an IDIQ contract sets a minimum and maximum quantity that the government can order during the contract’s term. This gives the government flexibility to procure what it needs, when it needs it, without having to go through a new, lengthy procurement process each time.

For the contractor, the IDIQ contract provides a guaranteed minimum order, which ensures some level of business, but also requires them to be prepared to deliver up to the stated maximum if required.

Tech profile: Integrated Helmet System

 

Galvion’s new Integrated Helmet System is designed to be a robust and mission-focused piece of equipment. The helmet itself features a proprietary geometry that combines a high-cut design for better hearing and situational awareness with a reinforced back for structural stability. This specific design, which the company has introduced commercially as the Hellbender™ platform, is a “no-through hole” system, meaning no holes are drilled through the ballistic shell for mounting, which helps maintain its structural integrity.

The system is designed for technological integration and scalability. It can be paired with Galvion’s E.D.G™ power management system, which provides the necessary power for various accessories such as the Squad Binocular Night Vision Goggle (SBNVG) and the Enhanced Clip-On Thermal Imager (ECOTI).

A key feature of the system is the company’s Apex™ lining system. This internal padding system was refined based on direct feedback from Marine users to provide a better fit, balance, and stability, particularly when accessories like night vision goggles are attached. The helmet is also designed to be easily maintained, with a single size for key components such as the night vision goggle shroud, rails, and harness, simplifying supply logistics. 

The helmets themselves are built from Ultra High Molecular Weight Polyethylene (UHMWPE), which is a type of thermoplastic polyethylene, which can be molded before it is set to produce a very hard plastic. UHMWPE is originally soft, but when it is layered in a unidirectional pattern and then compressed and bonded it becomes very hard. When a bullet strikes a UHMWPE plate or helmet, the energy from the impact is distributed across the entire layered material. The fibres stretch and spread the force, which in turn slows down and ultimately stops the projectile from penetrating.

Calibre comment

Galvion’s latest announcement touches on a number of themes that are key to dismounted combat, primarily the subject of weight and power. Infantry are now expected to power an enormous array of systems, possibly including a battle management system like ATAK, night vision goggles, a rifle scope, radios, and even drones. The power for these systems has to be carried by the individual soldier along with all the other essentials for dismounted combat. Reducing weight through helmet design, either in terms of shape or materials used, can help reduce the weight carried. And, enabling that helmet to form a part of a system by carrying a power management system can further facilitate the other equipment carried. Developing the Integrated Helmet System in close coordination with US marines should ensure that it is both minimally invasive, and genuinely beneficial to their dismounted operations.

By Sam Cranny-Evans, published on August 12, 2025. Credit for the lead image is Galvion.