Canadian DND places second follow-on order for Batlskin Caiman helmets

Head protection and power/data management specialist Galvion has received a second follow-on order from the Canadian Department of National Defence (DND) for its Batlskin Caiman ballistic helmet systems, the company announced on 15 July 2025.

The latest order is for an additional 5,000 helmets with two helmet covers each, which are expected to be delivered in early 2026.

The original Canadian Dismounted Infantry Capability Enhancement (DICE) programme contract was awarded in February 2023 and covered 2,100 helmets and 4,200 helmet covers. In July 2024, in the second year of a five-year framework contract, the DND exercised an option to order an additional 8,400 helmets and 16,800 helmet covers, taking the total Canadian DICE order to 10,500 helmets and 21,000 covers, which have all been delivered. With this latest follow-on order the DICE totals now total over 15,000 helmets and 30,000 covers, all ordered within three years of the five-year framework.

Developed over a number of years with extensive special operations forces (SOF) community collaboration and feedback and now fielded in the hundreds of thousands across multiple NATO countries, Galvion’s Caiman helmet system is designed to be light, comfortable and able to accommodate electronics, communications headsets and other critical equipment needs. The helmet is equipped with Galvion’s adjustable APEX lining system, which enables a customised fit for users.

The helmet systems assessed for DICE were trialled by members of the Canadian Light Infantry Battalion at the end of 2022. Conducted under operational conditions, the trials included the integration of equipment such as eyewear, night vision goggles, gas masks, hearing protection and cold-weather gear. The Caiman helmet, according to Galvion, received the highest rating by a significant margin and was selected after a phased bid process.

“We are exceedingly proud to receive another significant order from the Canadian DND for their DICE programme,” Galvion CEO Todd Stirtzinger was quoted as saying in a company press release. “Repeat orders like this demonstrate partner confidence and end-user satisfaction, both of which are core drivers for everything that we do at Galvion. We are seeing significant increases in demand across all of our head system platforms, with the Caiman helmet seeing far and wide adoption beyond the SOF community, as evidenced by this DICE contract, but also the continued receipt of orders from NATO countries through our NATO Support and Procurement Agency (NSPA) framework contract.

“We have more good news on that side to be announced soon,” Stirtzinger added. “This activity, alongside other notable successes, has triggered some major investment and expansion activity, which is best showcased by our recent European Production Hub opening ceremony in Poland.”