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
Cambridge Pixel releases SPx Server V2

Defence Security

Cambridge Pixel releases SPx Server V2

30 April 2026

Cambridge Pixel today announced the release of SPx Server V2, a major update to its field-proven radar processing software.

G3 Systems celebrates 25th anniversary

Defence Security

G3 Systems celebrates 25th anniversary

30 April 2026

This April, G3 Systems reached a significant milestone with its 25th Anniversary, marking a quarter of a century of delivering operationally proven deployable and fixed infrastructure solutions to austere overseas environments.

Online Oceans raises £4m to scale autonomous surface fleets

Defence Security Space

Online Oceans raises £4m to scale autonomous surface fleets

30 April 2026

Online Oceans, a UK company building autonomous surface vessels and fleet software for defence and maritime security, has raised £4 million in funding led by Seraphim Space.

Marshall Aerospace’s medevac system to remain in service

Aerospace Defence Security

Marshall Aerospace’s medevac system to remain in service

30 April 2026

A medical evacuation system designed and delivered jointly by NODIN Aviation and Marshall Aerospace will remain in operational use under an extended agreement between Scandinavian Airlines (SAS) and the Norwegian Armed Forces.

Advertisement
ODU RT
Rolls-Royce powers unmanned US Navy MQ-25A on first flight

Defence

Rolls-Royce powers unmanned US Navy MQ-25A on first flight

29 April 2026

Rolls-Royce has powered the first flight of the US Navy MQ-25A Stingray (on 25th April), marking a pivotal programme milestone that moves the unmanned platform closer to a Milestone C decision and aircraft carrier integration testing.

Chess Dynamics signs MoU with CHSnor

Defence

Chess Dynamics signs MoU with CHSnor

29 April 2026

Chess Dynamics has signed a Memorandum of Understanding with CHSnor, establishing a framework for collaboration that strengthens in-country support in Norway and reinforces the company’s long-term investment in the Nordic region.

Advertisement
ODU RT
Advertisement
FIA2026 animated banner