Galvion has secured a five-year framework contract with a potential value of up to €27.8 million from Latvia’s State Centre for Defence Logistics and Procurement (VALIC) for the supply of Batlskin Hellbender ballistic helmet systems in support of the Latvian National Armed Forces.
The agreement was concluded under the European Union’s Security Action for Europe (SAFE) initiative, making it one of the first contracts awarded to a Canadian defense company through the new procurement framework.
The framework covers Hellbender helmets in high-cut and mid/full-cut configurations, along with spare parts, accessories, and lifecycle services that include maintenance and refurbishment. Galvion will also work with local Latvian industry throughout the program to support regional cooperation and strengthen security of supply.
Designed as a lightweight, modular ballistic helmet system, the Batlskin Hellbender incorporates enhanced shell geometry to increase rear ballistic protection while providing structural rigidity and impact protection. The system is available with Galvion’s APEX liner and is designed to accommodate mission-critical equipment, including night-vision goggles, communications devices, face shields, and chemical/biological masks.
The agreement provides a framework for Latvia to plan helmet procurement over several years while addressing ongoing maintenance, repair, and lifecycle management requirements.
Alans Andrulis, Director of the State Centre for Defence Logistics and Procurement (VALIC), commented, “At VALIC, our task is to ensure that the needs of the Latvian National Armed Forces are met not only today but also in the long term. This framework agreement allows us to plan equipment procurement over several years while also covering maintenance, repair and full life cycle management. It is important to us that every defence procurement delivers maximum value and provides reliable, sustainable solutions to meet the needs of the armed force“.
The contract follows Galvion’s continued investment in its European industrial operations and supply chain. In 2025, the company established a production hub in Gdańsk, Poland, providing regional capabilities for helmet assembly, finishing, and inspection.
Galvion has also been developing its network of European manufacturing and supply-chain partners. Together, these investments are intended to increase production within the region, improve security of supply, and enable longer-term support closer to European customers.
The company’s European capabilities complement its existing operations in Canada and other international markets, supporting the sourcing, supply-chain, and security-of-supply requirements associated with the SAFE framework.
Jonathan Blanshay, Founder and Executive Chairman of Galvion, stated, “Canada’s participation in SAFE creates an important new avenue for Canadian and European defence industries to work together, and we are incredibly proud that Galvion is among the first Canadian companies to secure an award through this initiative. We have strategically invested in our European capabilities, partnerships and supply chain for a number of years, and this contract validates the strength of that approach. With Galvion head systems already in service across Europe, in countries such as Norway, Sweden, Finland, Denmark and the Netherlands, among others, each new partnership contributes to a growing regional fleet, creating greater opportunities for commonality, security of supply and long-term sustainment. We look forward to building on our relationship with Latvia and continuing to strengthen Galvion’s contribution to European defence.”
Representatives from the Latvian and Canadian governments also commented on the agreement’s significance for defense cooperation and industrial collaboration between the two countries.
Latvian Minister of Defence Raivis Melnis said, “This is an important step towards strengthening defence cooperation between Latvia and Canada. It demonstrates that closer cooperation between the European Union and Canada in the field of security can bring real benefits to both countries and their defence industries. Initiatives like this can provide a practical foundation for broader cooperation between European countries and their partners in developing defence capabilities.”
The Honourable David J. McGuinty, Minister of National Defence, commented, “A stronger Canada means a stronger defence industry. When Canadian companies compete and win internationally, they create good jobs at home, strengthen our industrial capacity and help our Allies meet their security needs.”
He added, “As Canada and Europe deepen our defence cooperation, we’re creating new opportunities for Canadian innovation and expertise to contribute to our collective security and readiness.”
The Latvian contract further extends Galvion’s presence among European defense forces already operating its head systems. According to the company, the growing number of systems in service across the region supports greater equipment commonality, regional supply and sustainment capabilities, and opportunities for more coordinated maintenance, refurbishment, and future upgrades.
