2026 is proving to be a year of significant change across Australia's Defence and security landscape. Aquaterro continues to proudly support Defence, law enforcement, and security agencies with innovative solutions and services that meet evolving operational requirements.
The Federal Government has recently announced two major Defence contracts with Aquaterro covering Combat Helmet Systems and Small Arms & Ammunition. Together, these contracts have the potential to exceed $250 million over the decade.
The Combat Helmet Contract with the Department of Defence will continue supporting the Australian Defence Force (ADF) with one of the most successful soldier systems items in service today: the Team Wendy EXFIL helmet.
During the initial contract period, Aquaterro worked closely with Defence and Team Wendy to support the success of the "Women in Combat" initiative, which sought to support greater participation of women in frontline and combat-related roles by providing personal protective equipment with optimised form, fit, and function. This program shifted the anthropometric requirements of the soldier population, effectively moving the traditional 5th to 95th percentile sizing range and creating a requirement for a ‘Size Zero’ combat helmet. Defence, Aquaterro, and Team Wendy collaborated closely to develop and expedite the delivery of a solution that met these emerging operational needs.
Alongside this program, combat helmet covers are another example of successful Australian industry agility and capability. Required in multiple patterns and colours, these covers play a critical role in protecting the ballistic shell, integrating communications systems, night fighting equipment, combat identification systems, and other mission-essential capabilities. Today, all combat helmet and Combat Vehicle Crew (CVC) helmet covers supplied under the TCH program are 100% Australian designed and 100% Australian made by Peacemaker, a subsidiary of Aquaterro.
The company’s Advanced Textile Factory in Melbourne is currently manufacturing approximately 25,000 helmet covers for the ADF. Simultaneously, the facility is also producing more than 15,000 Victoria Police equipment belt systems, and all equipment pouch systems for the Northern Territory Police department.
Supporting law enforcement agencies across Australia remains a core business capability for Aquaterro, with the company now contracted to supply body armour systems to most police agencies Australia wide.
Announced in July, the Aquaterro Small Arms Services Contract with Defence is already supporting Army capability requirements through the delivery of SIG Sauer small arms systems and associated product solutions, including support to current, and future Land 300 requirements.
The adoption of transitional technologies in the weapons and personal protection space - Lethality and Survivability, continues to drive investment and capability development for the modern war fighter. At the same time, rapid advances in Night Fighting Equipment (NFE) systems, weapon optics and munitions technologies are creating new opportunities to enhance operational effectiveness.
Aquaterro’s booth at Land Forces in Perth this month showcased many of these new technologies. Exhibits included SIG Sauer's next-generation small arms systems, including the M7 rifle and M8 carbine, M250 light machine gun, and other products emerging from the United States’ Next Generation Squad Weapon (NGSW) Program.
The SIG .338NM medium machine gun was also displayed, with technical specialists from SIG present to discuss the operational concepts and technological developments shaping future battlefield requirements.
Representatives from Aquaterro's key OEM partners, including Team Wendy, Arc'teryx, Crye Precision, Safariland, TYR, Danner and Vertx, were present throughout the event. Technical specialists from Act in Black, Pixels on Target, Wilcox, Unity Tactical, and Ghost Robotics were also present, to discuss emerging technologies and future capability requirements.
Overall, 2026 has been a milestone year for Aquaterro, marked by significant growth across Defence, law enforcement, and national security sectors. Through the expansion of major Defence programs, the delivery of critical capability solutions, continued investment in Australian manufacturing and stronger partnerships with global industry leaders, Aquaterro has further strengthened its position as a trusted integrated capability partner to government agencies nationwide.
As operational requirements continue to evolve, the company remains focused on delivering innovative, mission-ready solutions that enhance the protection, effectiveness and readiness of Australia’s frontline personnel.