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
FIA2026 animated banner
Voyant appoints James Norwood as CEO

Aerospace Defence Security

Voyant appoints James Norwood as CEO

7 May 2026

Voyant today announced the appointment of James Norwood as Chief Executive Officer (CEO).

SEA awarded King’s Award for International Trade

Defence

SEA awarded King’s Award for International Trade

6 May 2026

Defence tech company SEA, part of the Cohort plc Group, has been awarded the King’s Award for Enterprise: International Trade in recognition of its sustained global growth and success in exporting advanced fleet protection and anti-submarine warfare capabilities.

Weald Electronics celebrates 50th Anniversary

Aerospace Defence

Weald Electronics celebrates 50th Anniversary

6 May 2026

Horsham based Weald Electronics Ltd, a major UK manufacturer of electrical connectors and accessories for defence and demanding industrial applications established on 27th April 1976, is celebrating its 50th anniversary.

Marshall extends RNLASF C-130 fleet support

Defence

Marshall extends RNLASF C-130 fleet support

6 May 2026

Marshall Aerospace has received a multi-year extension to its Engineering Support (ESP) contract for legacy C-130 aircraft operated by the Royal Netherlands Air and Space Force (RNLASF).

Advertisement
ODU RT
Galvion invests in Sentinel Photonics to advance laser threat protection

Defence

Galvion invests in Sentinel Photonics to advance laser threat protection

6 May 2026

Galvion has announced a strategic investment in Sentinel Photonics to accelerate the deployment of advanced frontline laser detection and protection technologies to allied forces.

Saab UK opens Fareham I&V testing facility

Defence

Saab UK opens Fareham I&V testing facility

6 May 2026

Saab UK has opened a new Integration & Verification (I&V) testing facility on-site in Fareham as part of its Sensor Systems business, as it also completes its 100th Giraffe 1X radar system.

Advertisement
ODU RT
Advertisement
General Atomics LB