Morgan Advanced Materials’ Composites and Defense Systems business recently said it was awarded two body armor development contracts by the Canadian government, which will focus on a next generation lightweight, low-profile higher performing design for personal armor plates.
“We are delighted to have secured these two prestigious contracts, which underline our excellent reputation within the industry, said Duncan Eldridge, president of Morgan Advanced Materials’ Composites and Defense Systems business. “The new plates demonstrate a core commitment by the Canadian government to develop the protection of soldiers in the military and we feel that these new body armor plates will play an integral role in doing so.”
The two contracts run until March 2016 with options for production extending until March 2021.The value of the contracts was not disclosed.
The body armor will provide protection for high threat levels, including difficult multi-hit requirements.
Morgan’s armor development program closely follows objectives outlined in the Canada First Defense Strategy, which ensures high levels of Canadian content to build upon Canada’s key industrial capabilities.
The most recent development work contract is an extension of the portfolio of work undertaken by the company, which also provides plates to the U.K. Ministry of Defense, as well as the U.S. military and Special Forces.
The new contracts are integral to Morgan’s goal of supporting Canada with the requirements outlined in Canada’s Soldier System Technology Roadmap. The Composites and Defense Systems business specializes in composite systems for commercial, medical, security and defense applications including vehicle armor, combat helmets and body armor.
Successful completion of the development contracts leads to a second phase that includes options for body armor production for the Canadian military.