Galvion, a world leader in the design and manufacture of innovative head systems, power and data management solutions, and integrated soldier systems, unveils the Batlskin Hellbender™ UL (Ultra-Light) helmet — a new ultra-lightweight ballistic head system designed to meet the evolving needs of modern armed forces operating at scale and seeking force-wide standardisation without compromising performance.
Galvion’s Hellbender™ UL launch coincides with EnforceTac 2026, taking place in Nürnberg, Germany, from 23–25 February. The new Hellbender UL, along with Galvion’s wider range of head systems and power and data solutions, will be on display at booth 9-556.
Galvion’s Hellbender™ platform has been fielded across multiple international programmes to meet a variety of requirements. In August 2025, Galvion announced the award of a USD 130 million contract from the United States Marine Corps (USMC), which selected a variant of Galvion’s Hellbender platform for its Integrated Helmet System (IHS) programme. This latest variant, the Hellbender UL, draws on insights and feedback from a broad range of users over multiple years of development and in-field use across a wide range of operational theatres.
Engineered as a complete head system, the Hellbender™ UL delivers superior protection through enhanced shell geometry. Using an innovative manufacturing process that increases ballistic performance while reducing overall weight, the design delivers exceptional structural rigidity and impact resistance. The helmet is available in four sizes (S–XL) and two cuts, including a Mid/Full cut that strikes the ideal balance between maximum coverage and effortless communications integration. Featuring a low-profile, rattle-free shroud, ballistic hardware, and integrated cable channels and pass-throughs to minimise snag hazards, the helmet provides optimised coverage and stability while maintaining compatibility with face shields, night-vision devices, chem/bio masks, and other mission-critical systems. With Galvion’s best-in-class Apex™ liner system, which combines full-coverage impact protection with a highly adjustable fit architecture, Hellbender UL offers stability, comfort, and endurance over extended wear. Designed with future integration in mind, Hellbender™ UL provides a scalable foundation capable of supporting Galvion’s Cortex™ advanced computing and digital capabilities as operational requirements evolve.
Galvion’s approach to helmet system development is underpinned by proven regional production and delivery at scale. The company has invested significantly in localised manufacturing and supply-chain capability in Europe, including establishing its European Production Hub in Poland to support the delivery of 250,000 Caiman® helmets ordered to date through its NATO Support and Procurement Agency (NSPA) framework contract. As European forces continue to modernise their soldier systems, Galvion is committed to extending this regionalised model to support expanded adoption of its helmet platforms, including Hellbender™ UL.
Jonathan Blanshay, Executive Chairman of Galvion, said: “The Hellbender UL is an ultra-lightweight platform that delivers a high-performing solution aligned with the evolving needs of NATO and European forces, particularly those requiring a full-cut system. This is a milestone addition to our lightweight helmet portfolio, complementing our widely fielded Caiman® system, and exemplifies our system-level approach that considers not only protection but also integration, sustainment, and future capability growth. This helmet is designed for forces that expect their equipment to evolve with them without compromise.”
