Canada's Galvion Wins Up to €27.8M Latvian Military Helmet Deal Under EU SAFE

Canadian defense equipment manufacturer Galvion has secured a five-year framework agreement worth up to €27.8 million to supply advanced ballistic helmet systems to Latvia's National Armed Forces under the European Union's Security Action for Europe (SAFE) initiative.

The agreement was announced by Galvion on October 30 and confirmed by Latvia's Ministry of Defense on October 31, 2026. It was awarded through Latvia's State Centre for Defence Logistics and Procurement (VALIC) and represents one of the first such contracts involving a Canadian defense company under the SAFE procurement framework.

The award strengthens Galvion's position in the European military protective equipment market while connecting the Latvian program to the company's expanding manufacturing operations in Poland.

€27.8 Million Framework Covers Hellbender Helmet Systems

Under the agreement, Galvion will supply its Batlskin Hellbender ballistic helmet systems in high-cut and mid/full-cut configurations.

The procurement framework also covers spare parts, accessories, maintenance, refurbishment and lifecycle support, allowing Latvia to obtain additional equipment and sustain its helmet systems over a five-year period.

The Hellbender platform features modular ballistic protection and is designed to accommodate communications equipment, night-vision devices, face protection and other mission-specific accessories.

According to the manufacturer, the helmet uses its APEX liner system and a shell design intended to improve protective coverage, stability and impact resistance.

The announced €27.8 million represents the potential maximum value of the framework. Neither the Latvian ministry nor Galvion has disclosed the number of helmets covered by the arrangement or confirmed how much of the total value has already been ordered.

Galvion's Polish Production Hub Strengthens European Supply Chain

The Latvian agreement is particularly relevant to Central and Eastern Europe's growing defense manufacturing network.

Galvion opened a European production hub in Gdańsk, Poland, in 2025 to support regional helmet assembly, finishing and inspection activities.

The company says it will also work with Latvian industry during the program, creating opportunities for regional suppliers and maintenance partners.

Its European manufacturing footprint supports efforts to establish shorter and more resilient supply chains for NATO and European armed forces, particularly as procurement programs increasingly emphasize industrial capacity, security of supply and long-term sustainment.

The Latvian award demonstrates how Canadian manufacturers can compete for European defense programs while investing in production capabilities within the European market.

SAFE Framework Creates Opportunities for Joint Procurement

VALIC Director Alans Andrulis said the five-year arrangement would allow Latvia to plan equipment procurement and support requirements over a longer period.

The Latvian defense ministry also indicated that other countries could potentially join the procurement framework, opening the possibility of coordinated purchases under the same arrangement.

Such cooperation could create additional demand for compatible equipment while reducing duplication in procurement and maintenance.

For Galvion, the contract adds another European military customer and strengthens the commercial foundation for its Polish industrial operations.

The next milestones will be the placement of individual orders, delivery schedules and any further participation by other European countries.

No specific delivery quantities or timetable have been publicly disclosed.