Advancing UK Aerospace, Defence, Security & Space Solutions Worldwide
  • Home
  • /
  • Defence
  • /
  • French Marine Commandos adopt Avon's ST53

Defence

French Marine Commandos adopt Avon's ST53

The French navy's elite commando force - Les Commandos Marine – has adopted the Avon ST53 as their mask and respiratory system of choice for CBRN threats when undertaking high risk ship boarding operations.

A recently posted 'You Tube' training clip shows the commandos in action undertaking a series of marine boarding exercises in preparation for anti-drug smuggling or piracy threats. Included is atask force masking up to foil a suspected CBRN terrorist threat and toconfront and apprehend the operators.

Advertisement
PTC rectangle

The Avon ST53 was chosen for the French commando force because it combines Avon Protection's FM53 mask technology with an advanced modular breathing apparatus.

This enables positive pressure SCBA and/or PAPR capability for specialist operations, particularly where stealth is paramount for marine boarding activities.
 
Developed with the unknown elements of a threat scenario in mind, Avon claims that the ST53 is the most advanced CBRN respiratory solution on the market, enabling a fast response to changing operational conditions in one complete modular system.

Advertisement
ODU RT

According to Matt Evans, Avon’s Commercial Director: “France’s naval commando force are probably one of the world’s most highly trained teams for combating marine based threats and terrorist attacks. They have built an enviable record for overcoming criminal threats and activities on the high seas including drug smuggling, piracy and kidnap. So naturally, Avon is extremely proud that they have chosen Avon’s mask and SCBA system, which we claim to be the most technically advanced system on the global market.”

Advertisement
Gulfstream banner
Marshall Aerospace secures five SAIL Mark projects

Aerospace Defence Security

Marshall Aerospace secures five SAIL Mark projects

18 March 2026

Marshall Aerospace is advancing it expertise in the UK’s fast-growing unmanned aircraft systems (UAS) sector after securing five separate SAIL Mark assessment projects funded by Innovate UK and the Department for Transport.

UK engineers advance innovative way to tackle drone threats

Defence Security

UK engineers advance innovative way to tackle drone threats

18 March 2026

A team of UK based engineers is developing a new way of eliminating hostile drones.

Babcock and S.A.F.E. forge training partnership

Defence

Babcock and S.A.F.E. forge training partnership

18 March 2026

Babcock International Group has signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with Belgian defence company S.A.F.E. to explore collaboration on international training opportunities.

SEA to provide training and support to Royal Malaysian Navy

Defence

SEA to provide training and support to Royal Malaysian Navy

18 March 2026

SEA has been awarded contract with Lumut Naval Shipyard (LUNAS) to provide in-country training and support to the Royal Malaysian Navy (RMN), enhance its operational readiness, availability and capability.

Advertisement
ODU RT
JFD opens new Singapore facility

Defence Security

JFD opens new Singapore facility

18 March 2026

Provider of specialist marine and defence solutions, James Fisher and Sons plc (JFD Global), has expanded its Asia Pacific footprint with the official opening of a new facility in Singapore.

BAE Systems to modernise Advanced Defensive System for USAF U-2

Defence

BAE Systems to modernise Advanced Defensive System for USAF U-2

17 March 2026

BAE Systems has been awarded a contract by Robins Air Force Base in Georgia to support and sustain the AN/ALQ-221 Advanced Defensive System (ADS) for the US Air Force (USAF) U-2 Dragon Lady surveillance and reconnaissance aircraft.

Advertisement
PTC rectangle
Advertisement
FIA2026 animated banner