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
ODU RT

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
General Atomics LB
LEDsynergy partners with LEDX Technology

Aerospace Defence Security

LEDsynergy partners with LEDX Technology

8 May 2026

Andover based LEDsynergy, a long-established UK manufacturer of LED display solutions, has announced a strategic manufacturing partnership with India’s LED display manufacturer LEDX Technology, marking a significant step forward in its global production strategy.

Vision Engineering to showcase high-tech solutions at Smart Factory Expo

Aerospace Defence Events

Vision Engineering to showcase high-tech solutions at Smart Factory Expo

8 May 2026

UK based designer and manufacturer of high-tech ergonomic optical and digital inspection, metrology systems and bespoke engineering solutions, Vision Engineering Group, has revealed its expansive showcase for the upcoming Smart Factory Expo, taking place next month at the NEC in Birmingham from 3rd-4th June 2026.

ADS supports SMEs reinforcing UK defence capability

Defence Events

ADS supports SMEs reinforcing UK defence capability

8 May 2026

ADS recently hosted 'The Future Starts Small' in partnership with RC Fornax, bringing together SMEs, MoD stakeholders and defence leaders for a focused discussion on the future of UK defence capability.

Belfast boosts FSS programme

Defence

Belfast boosts FSS programme

7 May 2026

Navantia UK today welcomed Commodore Sam Shattock RFA, Commodore Royal Fleet Auxiliary and Rear Admiral Matthew Stratton, Director Naval Acquisition, to its Harland & Wolff shipyard in Belfast to see progress on the Fleet Solid Support (FSS) programme.

Advertisement
ODU RT
Royal Navy uses tech for operational edge in Information Warfare

Defence Events

Royal Navy uses tech for operational edge in Information Warfare

7 May 2026

Navy Digital – the Service’s experts in digital capabilities, skills and Information Warfare – and other specialists from across the Royal Navy, teamed up with industry partners to test off-the-shelf cutting-edge technology that, when linked together, creates a ‘mesh network’ which can be deployed to enable front line operations.

MoD awards £6m eLoran concept contract to Team Elaris

Defence

MoD awards £6m eLoran concept contract to Team Elaris

7 May 2026

QinetiQ-led Team Elaris has been awarded a £6 million contract with the UK Ministry of Defence (MoD) to develop a deployable solution concept for enhanced Long-Range Navigation (eLoran).

Advertisement
ODU RT
Advertisement
Hexagon leaderboard