A Wiltshire company has secured an order from the Ministry of Defence worth more than £10m to supply gas masks to the Ukrainian army.
Melksham-based Avon Protection - a division of Avon Technologies - has already sent more than 65,000 respirators out to Europe to support troops fighting in the war against Russia, according to the .
This latest deal will see the business send its FM50 respirators, which meet the latest NATO forces’ military mask requirements with variants in use across the world.
The mask provides full-face protection against chemical, biological, radiological, and nuclear threats, according to Avon Protection, with very low breathing resistance that ensures a comfortable wearer experience. The order will be delivered in the 2026 financial year.
Jos Sclater, chief executive, said: "We are proud of the contribution Avon Protection provides to the national security of the United Kingdom and its international partners.
"This order demonstrates our critical contribution to the overall health and resilience of the Ƶ defence industrial base and reinforces the Ƶ’s commitment to continue its military support to Ukraine, as stated in the 2025 Strategic Defence Review.”
Steve Elwell, president of Avon Protection, added: “The Ƶ has put its trust in Avon Protection’s products for decades, most recently with an order for our EXOSKIN boots and gloves and now with this FM50 order.
"This trust is extended to the benefit of our Ukraine partner to provide enhanced protection for their personnel on the front line."
In May, Mr Sclater said he was confident the business would achieve its margin target a year early in 2026 after a "strong performance".
For the six months ended March 31, Avon Technologies reported statutory operating profit of $6.2m - up from $2.6m the year before. The company said it expected to deliver double-digit revenue growth over the 2025 financial year, with improved returns in the second half.
"We remain resolute in pursuing our strategy and improving our businesses, notwithstanding an increasingly uncertain macro-economic and geopolitical environment," Mr Sclater said at the time.
