Canada's Galvion Boosts NATO Readiness with Fully Operational Helmet Production Hub in Poland.

Canadian Company Galvion, a global leader in integrated soldier systems and advanced head protection technologies, has officially declared its European Production Hub in Gdansk, Poland, fully operational as of April 1, 2025. This milestone marks a significant step forward in the company’s international expansion strategy and reinforces its commitment to delivering next-generation protective solutions to NATO and allied armed forces across Europe.
Follow Army Recognition on Google News at this link

Galvion’s new production facility in Gdansk, Poland, begins manufacturing advanced combat helmets, marking a major step in supporting NATO and European armed forces with regionally produced protective equipment. (Picture source: Galvion)

Initially announced in September 2023, the facility now stands as a vital node within Galvion’s global operations. Strategically located in Gdansk, Poland, following an extensive assessment process, the new hub strengthens the company’s regional support structure and allows it to serve European and NATO customers from a geographically optimized center of excellence. Full-scale production is now underway, with the first batch of Galvion’s flagship Caiman® ballistic helmets already assembled and prepared for shipment to a major defense customer in Northern Europe.

The Gdansk site goes beyond basic manufacturing. It houses a complete ecosystem of helmet finishing and assembly operations, along with critical lifecycle support functions, including system maintenance, refurbishment, upgrades, and specialized training. This comprehensive capability makes the facility a cornerstone for Galvion’s expanding presence in Europe and a key enabler of rapid response to evolving battlefield requirements. Moreover, Galvion anticipates that the Gdansk facility will evolve further through 2026 and beyond, progressively supporting the company’s full product and integrated solutions portfolio, including power and data management systems for dismounted soldiers.

This expansion is driven by Galvion’s continued success in securing major program awards from European nations. Among these, the company’s inclusion in a pivotal NATO Support and Procurement Agency (NSPA) framework contract has been instrumental. The selection of Galvion by NSPA serves as a strong endorsement of the company's reliability, technological leadership, and ability to deliver operationally relevant solutions to NATO forces. It also reflects NATO’s recognition of the strategic importance of fostering industrial capabilities within alliance territory, particularly those that directly enhance soldier survivability and mission effectiveness.

In light of these achievements, Galvion expects to have close to 2 million helmets in service across NATO and other European countries by the end of 2026. This surge in operational deployments underlines the growing demand for Galvion’s uniquely engineered head protection systems and highlights the company’s strategic role in enhancing NATO’s dismounted soldier capabilities.

What sets Galvion apart in the crowded defense market is the technological sophistication and modularity of its protective gear. The Caiman® helmet system, in particular, has earned widespread recognition for its lightweight, scalable design and its compatibility with a wide range of mission-critical accessories. Engineered to provide maximum protection without compromising mobility or comfort, the Caiman series integrates seamlessly with modern communications, night vision, and power systems. This adaptability is critical for today’s multi-domain operations, where speed, interoperability, and survivability are paramount.

Galvion’s innovation extends beyond ballistic protection. The company is a recognized pioneer in soldier power and data systems, offering integrated solutions that include smart battery packs, power distribution systems, and wearable computing platforms. These technologies are designed to optimize mission endurance and performance, providing soldiers with reliable and efficient tools to enhance situational awareness and decision-making on the battlefield.

According to Todd Stirtzinger, CEO of Galvion, the new facility marks a transformative development: “We are committed to responsible regional operations in order to serve our global customer base in the most efficient way possible. Having the ability to both produce and support helmet systems in Europe is a big step for us and for our NATO customers, as we continue to receive orders through the NSPA framework contract and beyond.”

He added, “Our investment project here has been built from the ground up, requiring support, coordination, and collaboration across Galvion, not to mention a network of local and national partners in Poland. It is really gratifying for our entire team to see the first Caiman helmets coming off the production line. Special thanks go to our Polish team for their relentless dedication as well as to everyone else who has helped make this such a success.”

A formal VIP inauguration ceremony is planned for June 2025, with senior military officials, industry leaders, and strategic partners expected to attend. The event will highlight the operational readiness of a facility poised to become a central component of Europe’s defense manufacturing infrastructure.

While the Gdansk facility addresses European and NATO demand, Galvion’s core operations in the United States and Canada will continue to focus on design, R&D, production, and global support. Together, these sites form an agile, transatlantic industrial network capable of responding to the dynamic needs of modern militaries worldwide.

Galvion’s investment in Poland not only boosts its operational agility but also aligns with NATO’s objective of building resilient, regionally integrated defense capabilities. In an era of rapid technological evolution and shifting security dynamics, Galvion remains at the forefront of delivering scalable, combat-proven solutions that enhance survivability and operational effectiveness on the modern battlefield.