Australia announces funding for Australian Defence Force combat helmet supply, refurbishment and support services

Defence and Aquaterro have also signed a $1.16 million support services contract in support of LAND 300 to provide recurring-services direct support for SIG SAUER small-arms systems, as well as enable future provisions and next generations of technology and support. The work will be centred at Aquaterro’s 4.5 acre high-security defence precinct, including its armoury, range, secure warehouse, advanced manufacturing workshops and integration facility.

“The collaborative partnership Aquaterro and SIG have developed over many years is best described in SIG’s stated mission: to be a reliable, long-term partner to our customers, recognised for the quality and value of our products and the reliability of our commitments. This newly executed contract will provide the Australian Defence Force with the direct benefit of that commitment, and the vertical capability SIG and Aquaterro can deliver,” Aquaterro founder and chief executive Graeme Bulte said.

This contract provides Defence with access to Aquaterro and SIG Sauer technical expertise, strengthening Australia’s local defence industrial base while supporting relationships with international suppliers.

All SIG small arms systems supplied to Defence to date have completed their manufacturing and final checks at Aquaterro’s facility, where specialised laser marking to meet ADF requirements is conducted.

“This investment is about keeping Australian soldiers, sailors and aviators safe and supporting local defence industry and jobs,” Minister for Defence Industry Pat Conroy said.

“Aquaterro’s work will play an important role in strengthening Australia’s sovereign domestic supply chains and supporting the sustainment of critical ADF capability.

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“This is another example of how the Albanese government is ensuring the capability and protective equipment used by the ADF are supported by local, accessible and responsive technical expertise.

“Importantly, it supports Australian jobs and strengthens our skilled technical workforce.”

Aquaterro employs more than 70 staff at its facility in Pakenham, located in Melbourne’s south-eastern suburbs. The company has supported the ADF for 10 years, supplying over 75,000 Team Wendy Combat Helmets, as well as ArmorSource/Peacemaker CVC-E Combat Vehicle Crewman helmets and conducting refurbishment maintenance services on over 30,000 helmets.

The combat helmet contract investment by the Australian Department of Defence of up to $160 million, for supply and support of the Combat Helmet and Combat Vehicle Crewman-Enhanced Helmet, also enables advancements in technology to be adopted throughout the contract term.

Aquaterro has invested in the only Combat Ballistic Helmet Refurbishment Facility outside the United States, providing through-life complete refurbishment of the fleet to ensure protection and life-of-type value is maximised.

The new contract also includes the provision of 100 per cent-designed and made in Australia Peacemaker camouflage helmet covers for Combat and CVC-E Helmets.

The first purchase order under the new contract for Peacemaker Helmet Covers has been published, valued at $2.45 million. Aquaterro and its Peacemaker design and manufacturing enterprise is one of the very few entities licensed to manufacture with Australian Multicam Camouflage Uniform, according to Bulte.

“The confidence and trust the Commonwealth has shown in Aquaterro is incredibly rewarding for our team,” Bulte said.

“These vital elements of the Integrated Soldier System, combining both arms and armour, with total integration, engineering, support and sustainment being provided by Australians, in Australia, is a great example of what can be accomplished with an Australian-owned company delivering on major contract requirements for Australians in uniform.”

Aquaterro has invested over $25 million in specialised high-security defence infrastructure to support Integrated Soldier Systems, including small arms, ammunition and ancillaries.

Robert Dougherty

Robert is a senior journalist who has previously worked for Seven West Media in Western Australia, as well as Fairfax Media and Australian Community Media in New South Wales. He has produced national headlines, photography and videography of emergency services, business, community, defence and government news across Australia. Robert graduated with a Bachelor of Arts, Majoring in Public Relations and Journalism at Curtin University, attended student exchange program with Fudan University and holds Tier 1 General Advice certification for Kaplan Professional. Reach out via email at This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. or via LinkedIn.