Galvion Unveils Hellbender™ UL, Building on Its Leadership in Ultra-Lightweight Helmet Systems

Galvion, a world leader in the design and manufacture of innovative head systems, power and data management solutions, and integrated soldier systems, unveils the Batlskin Hellbender™ UL (Ultra-Light) helmet — a new ultra-lightweight ballistic head system developed to meet the evolving needs of modern armed forces operating at scale and seeking force-wide standardization without compromising performance. Galvion’s Hellbender™ UL launch coincides with EnforceTac 2026, taking place in Nürnberg, Germany, from 23–25 February. The new Hellbender UL, along with Galvion’s wider range of head systems and power and data solutions, will be on display at booth 9-556.

Galvion’s Hellbender™ platform has been fielded across multiple international programs to meet a variety of requirements.  Notably, in August 2025, Galvion announced the award of a USD 130 million contract by the United States Marine Corps (USMC), having selected a variant of Galvion’s Hellbender platform for their Integrated Helmet System (IHS) program.  This latest variant, the Hellbender UL, benefits from insights and feedback from a broad range of users over multiple years of development and in-field use across a wide range of operational theatres.

Engineered as a complete head system, the Hellbender™ UL is designed to deliver superior protection through enhanced shell geometry. Using an innovative manufacturing process that offers increased ballistic performance while reducing overall weight, the design results in exceptional structural rigidity and impact resistance. The helmet is available in four sizes (S–XL) and two cuts, including a Mid/Full cut that provides the ideal balance between maximum coverage and effortless communications integration. Featuring a low-profile, rattle-free shroud, ballistic hardware, and integrated cable channels and pass-throughs to minimize snag hazards, the helmet is designed to provide optimized coverage and stability while maintaining compatibility with face shields, night-vision devices, chem/bio masks, and other mission-critical systems. With Galvion’s best-in-class Apex™ liner system, which combines full-coverage impact protection with a highly adjustable fit architecture, Hellbender UL offers stability, comfort, and endurance over extended wear. Designed with future integration in mind, Hellbender™ UL provides a scalable foundation capable of supporting Galvion’s Cortex™ advanced computing and digital capabilities as operational requirements evolve.

Galvion’s approach to helmet system development is underpinned by proven regional production and delivery at scale. The company has invested significantly in localized manufacturing and supply-chain capability in Europe, including the establishment of its European Production Hub in Poland to support the delivery of 250,000 Caiman® helmets ordered to date through its NATO Support and Procurement Agency (NSPA) framework contract. As European forces continue to modernize their soldier systems, Galvion is committed to extending this regionalized model to support expanded adoption of its helmet platforms, including Hellbender™ UL.

Jonathan Blanshay, Executive Chairman of Galvion, said: “The Hellbender UL is an ultra-lightweight platform that is a high-performing solution aligned with the evolving needs of NATO and European forces, particularly those who require a full cut system. This is a milestone addition to our lightweight helmet portfolio, complementing our widely fielded Caiman® system, and exemplifies our system-level approach that considers not only protection, but also integration, sustainment, and future capability growth. This helmet is designed for forces that expect their equipment to evolve with them, without compromise.”

Galvion