Military equipment firm Avon Protection has signed a 38-million-euro ($41 million) deal with the UK Ministry of Defence to continue supplying General Service Respirators (GSRs).
The GSRs will be used in “hot, high and dry” locations, as well as in chemical, biological, radiological, and nuclear defense (CBRN) environments.
The contract will run for four years, with five additional 12-month option periods.
Avon Protection CEO Jos Sclater said that the deal underlines the company’s goal to develop new technologies that will provide unparalleled protection to UK troops.
“It demonstrates our continued technological leadership in CBRN respiratory protection and provides a strong foundation for our UK business over the medium and long term,” Sclater added.
Avon has supplied the ministry with GSRs since 2018.
Protection Against Chemical Threats
The Avon GSR was designed to replace the British Armed Forces’ old S10 respirators, which offered up to four hours of protection in CBRN environments. The GSR allows troops to move inside compromised areas for up to 24 hours.
Its features include twin filter canisters, a single-visor design, and an improved drinking system, which lets its users hydrate themselves without taking off their masks.
Each respirator is expected to be in service for up to 20 years.
The UK issues the GSR to more than 90 percent of its soldiers on the front line.
