Queensland-based defense contractor Craig International Ballistics has received a contract to provide body armor for the Australian Defence Force.
Valued at 30-million Australian dollars ($19.7 million), the deal covers suits that can protect troops against low- and high-velocity shells and fragmentation effects.
Once delivered, the equipment will be distributed to personnel operating in combat and counter-terrorism operations.
The Australian Department of Defense wrote that the agreement is part of the government’s efforts to maintain small and medium businesses across the country while supporting “dozens” of local jobs.
Craig has already benefited from this framework agreement for almost 20 years through previous orders of 600,000 high-quality body armor components for the military, utilized in overseas missions including Afghanistan and Iraq, the agency said.
“The Albanese Government is proud to be supporting Craig International Ballistics, a home-grown success story which employs hard-working Queenslanders, including Veterans, in their efforts to keep our troops safe,” Australian Defence Industry Minister Pat Conroy stated.
“This order with Craig International Ballistics is a prime example under the Defence Industry Development Strategy of how the Government is supporting our Sovereign Defence Industrial Base and a future made in Australia.”
“Craig International Ballistics is a model for our nation’s robust, self-starting defence industry, which is an important part of our sovereign defence capability.”
Recent Australian Defense Projects
Canberra partnered with Craig on a similar project in 2020 to supply lighter tactical body armor for Australian soldiers.
Alongside personal equipment, the company has also worked to integrate protection capabilities for military vehicles, including ships and aircraft.
In 2023, Craig signed a contract with BAE Systems to provide transparent armor and wiper systems for the Royal Australian Navy’s future Hunter-class frigates.
The Australian Army also selected the firm to deliver advanced armor protection for the agency’s CH-47F Chinook heavy-lift transport helicopters.
