Galvion to Equip US Marines with Integrated Helmet System for Future Protection and Modularity.

On August 12, 2025, Galvion, which specializes in head protection systems and power and data management solutions, was awarded a major contract with the United States Marine Corps (USMC). Issued as a five-year indefinite-delivery/indefinite-quantity agreement by the Marine Corps Systems Command (MCSC), the contract has a maximum value of $131,396,296. It covers the supply of the new Integrated Helmet System (IHS), developed to meet the operational requirements of the Marine Corps.
Follow Army Recognition on Google News at this link

The helmet can be fitted with Galvion’s E.D.G power management system, offering scalable operational capability (Picture source: Galvion)

The IHS was developed over several years under an Other Transaction Agreement with the MCSC. Its purpose was to adapt the equipment to the specific requirements of the Marines in terms of protection, comfort, and technology integration. The high-cut, no-through-hole helmet uses a proprietary geometry combining an Enhanced Combat Helmet (ECH)-type front section with a ridged back for increased structural stability. Commercially introduced earlier this year under the Hellbender platform name, the helmet features the latest version of the Apex liner system, enhanced based on direct user feedback to improve fit, balance, and stability, particularly for mounting systems such as the Squad Binocular Night Vision Goggle (SBNVG) and the Enhanced Clip-On Thermal Imager (ECOTI).

The helmet can be fitted with Galvion’s E.D.G power management system, offering scalable operational capability. Standardized components, including the NVG mount, side rails, harness, and accessory attachments, are intended to facilitate maintenance and supply logistics. The design also ensures compatibility with existing USMC equipment, including communications and visual augmentation systems.

For testing and evaluation phases, more than 1,000 systems were delivered in two configurations. The “Block 0” version includes a helmet with NVG mount and stabilization bumpers, IHS rails with NVG clips and O2 attachments, NVG bungees, external loop areas, battery retention straps, the Apex liner system, and a helmet cover with cable management. The “Block 1” version, built on the Block 0 configuration, adds the E.D.G power pack, single and dual cables to power the SBNVG alone or with ECOTI, an integrated strobe, a task light, and an optional Helmet Electronic Device (HED).

Development involved close cooperation between Galvion and the MCSC. The company designed, produced, and tested prototypes demonstrating technical compatibility with in-service equipment, incorporating feedback from Marines after each evaluation stage. This input was gathered during Limited User Evaluations, ballistic testing conducted by the MCSC, and additional internal sessions organized by Galvion. This iterative process allowed continuous adaptation of the product to operational requirements, resulting in a system developed in direct response to Marine feedback.

According to Galvion CEO Todd Stirtzinger, the program involved all of the company’s facilities, from research and development at the Warfighter Lab to helmet production at the Vermont plant, and manufacturing of the E.D.G components at its New Hampshire headquarters. He noted that the work with the MCSC reflects the Marine Corps’ approach of cooperating with industry to identify solutions that meet operational needs.

This $131 million contract establishes Galvion as a supplier of advanced protective equipment for the USMC. The IHS combines technological integration, modularity, and compatibility with current equipment, while offering the capacity to evolve to meet future mission requirements. The collaborative development process ensured the system was adapted to the operational conditions of deployed forces.