XTEK signs MoU with Tata, targets Indian defence market

Defence contractor XTEK has announced an MoU between its US-based HighCom division and Indian conglomerate Tata, covering the use of Australian-developed composite curing technology for ballistic helmets for the Indian market.

According to a statement from XTEK on Monday (Australian time), the collaboration agreement between HighCom Armour Solutions and Tata Advanced Systems Limited (TASL) covers supply of advanced Level III Rifle Combat Helmets (RCH) made using XTEK’s XTClave process.

According to XTEK, such helmets can stop a bullet fired from an AK-47 or other high-powered assault rifle. XTClave uses ultra-high isostatic pressure and high temperatures, and is able to cure complex shapes.

The news follows a visit to India by a company delegation, led by group CEO Scott Basham, in February, and comes ahead of the Indian Ministry of Defence’s expected program to upgrade ballistic head protection for soldiers in specialist military units, commencing FY2024. This could “potentially see many thousands” of new helmets required annually.

“Working with the team at TASL to penetrate the huge Indian Defence market makes tremendous sense for us , and I expect that together, we will be able to fully meet the Indian military’s future requirements for new advanced ballistic head protection with our outstanding XTclave made Rifle Combat Helmets,” said Basham on Monday.

XTEK told investors in February that growth in demand for its armour products – aided by instability in Europe – had seen it developing plans for expansion of its XTclave manufacturing footprint into the US and elsewhere in FY24.