Gold Coast company manufacturing life-saving body armour for our troops

Joint media release

• The Hon Stuart Robert MP, Minister for the National Disability Insurance Scheme, Minister for Government Services

A Gold Coast company has pioneered world-first body armour technology that will provide superior protection and greater comfort for Australian troops.

Minister for Defence Industry, the Hon Melissa Price MP, said Arundel’s Craig International Ballistics will deliver the cutting-edge Australian manufactured soft body armour to the Australian Defence Force (ADF).

The initial $1 million contract will see the ADF receive 750 soft armour inserts to replace in-service armour.

“Craig International Ballistics is able to deliver this technology through the innovative use of new materials,” Minister Price said.

“The Australian Army will be the first military in the world to be issued body armour made with this new Kevlar material.”

The new armour will deliver greater levels of protection and be significantly lighter than the current soft armour.

Member for Fadden, Stuart Robert said it was exciting to see companies across the Gold Coast realising opportunities in defence industry.

“This world-leading technology, developed right here on the Coast, is an example of the sort of innovation that Australian industry can deliver,” Minister Robert said.

“The Morrison Government is investing in local companies like these to ensure we build sovereign capability to equip and sustain the ADF in its defence of Australia and our national interests.”

Craig International Ballistics employs around 35 people and has been producing Australian-made body armour systems since the late 1990s.

Imagery is available at: https://images.defence.gov.au/S20201848