The Australian government is investing in the supply and refurbishment of combat helmets for the Australian Defence Force (ADF) through Victorian company Aquaterro. This investment of up to A$160 million across seven years will support Australian industry and jobs, and ensure ADF personnel have access to reliable, locally supported and up-to-date protective equipment.
Aquaterro has supported the ADF for ten years, supplying over 75,000 ballistic helmets and conducting refurbishment maintenance services on over 30,000 helmets. The contract includes the provision of 100% Designed and Made in Australia camouflage helmet covers. Defence and Aquaterro have also signed a $1.16 million support services contract, increasing technical support for small arms capability used by soldiers, sailors and aviators.
This contract provides Defence with access to Aquaterro and SIG Sauer technical expertise, strengthening Australia’s local defence industrial base while supporting relationships with international suppliers. Aquaterro employs more than 70 staff at its facility in Pakenham, located in Melbourne’s south-eastern suburbs.
Minister for Defence Industry Pat Conroy said: “This investment is about keeping Australian soldiers, sailors and aviators safe and supporting local defence industry and jobs. Aquaterro’s work will play an important role in strengthening Australia’s sovereign domestic supply chains and supporting the sustainment of critical ADF capability. This is another example of how the Albanese Government is ensuring the capability and protective equipment used by the ADF are supported by local, accessible and responsive technical expertise. Importantly, it supports Australian jobs and strengthens our skilled technical workforce.”
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