Aquaterro

Aquaterro is the home of Avon Protection and Team Wendy ! Whether it is the EXFIL Tiered Combat Helmet (TCH) for the ADF, across all LE Agencies - or the new US Army IHPS program - Avon Headbourne Systems is leading the technology solutions for the future, protecting those in harm’s way from the threats they face.

Something that we have built and value more than anything over our 30 Years in the industry, is recognition that we are our people. One of the core values of the Special Operations community is humans are more important than hardware. For us, it’s humans are more important than profits. By investing in the right people, providing an environment where those people find application and purpose - leads to passion and excellence. One of our true strengths is that our team includes top level personnel from those in their 20’s to those in their 70’s. This business practice proved itself once again as two of our employees, Abby Sorrell and Daniel Hutchinson were finalists in the ADM 30 under 30 event. We are so incredibly proud of their achievements and so incredibly thankful for what they do for us and those who protect our nation.

Mr Ron Cohen, CEO of SIG SAUER, and Aquaterro CEO Mr Graeme Bulte, met and hosted high level talks at AUSA (Association of the US Army - Conference and Exhibit) in Washington DC this week. The very clear message being; the ongoing commitment SIG has to Australia, working hand-in-hand with Aquaterro in supporting ADF requirements. Talks focused on the case for NGSW (Next Generation Squad Weapon), the world’s most capable and advanced combat rifle systems and Hybrid Cartridge (high-pressure) ammunition. NGSW effectively “turns cover into concealment” with unparalleled lethality against protected targets. NGSW has involved ~400 engineers, 6 Years and USD$150m in investment by SIG, to create a truly unique and formidable capability for the soldier. This is not about a “new calibre”, this is a technology step-change in small arms and ammunition not seen in nearly 100 years. Just as there is only one 5th Gen Fighter Aircraft: the F-35, there is also only one Next Generation Squad Weapon system: the XM7 & XM250. Anything else, is a substandard concession. More to come on the exciting outcomes of the Aquaterro and SIG meetings at AUSA, and what they will bring to and for Australia. #sigsauer #peacemaker #graemebulte #ngsw #australianarmy #aquaterro

In April, the Government released the Defence Strategic Review (#DSR). The DSR brought into sharp focus Australia’s deteriorating strategic environment and highlighted capability deficiencies that threaten the Australian Defence Force’s ability to effectively respond to emerging challenges to Australia’s national interests. A key recommendation of the review, accepted and subsequently reinforced by Government, was that ‘when capability was readily available, there should be an emphasis on getting it into service without delay [and that] Defence must, where possible, acquire more platforms and capabilities via sole source or off-the-shelf procurement’. The message from Government is clear, the time for “business as usual” is over. Australia’s evolving circumstances need creative solutions to pressing problems. @Aquaterro has been working tirelessly to deliver easy, cost-effective, impactful sovereign outcomes to the Australian Government and the ADF. Aquaterro firmly believes Australia can and should access the best-in-class capabilities for those who have volunteered to venture into harm’s way on behalf of Australia. What’s more, many of these capabilities can be accessed now, and in a way that supports the growth of Australia’s defence industry and the Government’s stated objective of enhancing our interoperability (and ideally interchangeable) with our most important allies. If you have a few minutes, check out our Founder and Managing Director’s (@Graeme Bulte) piece in the latest @Defence Technology Review, where he discusses these issues and stresses the value of developing a common sense, outcome focused path to acquisition that will ensure our men and women get the very best equipment before they step into the arena.