Defence’s $30 million order for body armour

The federal government has placed a $30 million order with Queensland-based Craig International Ballistics for body armour that will be used by Australian Defence Force (ADF) personnel, including in combat and counter terrorism operations.

The contract, which will also create and sustain dozens of jobs, supports local small-and-medium enterprises and a future made in Australia, according to a statement.

Craig International Ballistics, which has already supplied over 600,000 high quality body armour components for the ADF, will manufacture and deliver a new order of body armour components to help protect troops from moving threats like fragmentation, and low and high velocity rounds.

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The Minister for Defence Industry Pat Conroy said: “From peacekeeping operations through to conflicts in Iraq and Afghanistan, Craig International Ballistics has been protecting Australian Defence Force personnel with their world-class body armour for almost two decades.

“This order with Craig International Ballistics is a prime example under the Defence Industry Development Strategy of how the government is supporting our Sovereign Defence Industrial Base and a future made in Australia.

“Craig International Ballistics is a model for our nation’s robust, self-starting defence industry, which is an important part of our sovereign defence capability.”

Picture: Defence/Jen Dainer/production at Craig International Ballistics