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
PTC rectangle

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
FIA2026 animated banner
UK Defence Diplomacy Strategy launched

Defence

UK Defence Diplomacy Strategy launched

24 March 2026

UK military personnel will be put through their paces as part of a new diplomacy training programme, upskilling specialists in negotiation and languages as part of the UK's first Defence Diplomacy Strategy launched today. 

DroneShield and OpenWorks Engineering expand C2 interoperability

Defence Security

DroneShield and OpenWorks Engineering expand C2 interoperability

24 March 2026

Counter-unmanned systems (C-UxS) solutions provider, DroneShield, today announced interoperability between DroneSentry-C2 command-and-control software and optical sensing technologies from OpenWorks Engineering.

Fiona Walters takes over as Serco’s UK & Europe CEO

Defence Security Space

Fiona Walters takes over as Serco’s UK & Europe CEO

24 March 2026

Fiona Walters has taken up her role as CEO of the UK & Europe division of Serco, having joined Serco in September 2025 from G4S, where she was Regional CEO for the UK & Ireland, leading a team of more than 30,000 people.

GKN Aerospace delivers upgraded RM12 engine to Swedish Armed Forces

Defence

GKN Aerospace delivers upgraded RM12 engine to Swedish Armed Forces

24 March 2026

GKN Aerospace has successfully delivered the first upgraded RM12 engine to the Swedish Armed Forces, marking a significant milestone in the ongoing RM12EP (Enhanced Performance) programme.

Advertisement
PTC rectangle
FNX Ventures invests in Sentinel Photonics

Defence

FNX Ventures invests in Sentinel Photonics

24 March 2026

Sentinel Photonics, a UK defence technology company specialising in laser detection, prevention and intelligence, has secured investment from European venture capital firm, FNX Ventures.

Spectra launches GENSS production version

Defence Space Events

Spectra launches GENSS production version

23 March 2026

Spectra Group (UK) Ltd, specialists in delivering secure, reliable and resilient beyond line-of-sight communications for operations in denied and contested environments, has formally launched the production version of GENSS at the Satellite Show.

Advertisement
ODU RT
Advertisement
FIA2026 animated banner