The Czech Republic has selected American defense contractor Gentex Corporation to supply ballistic helmets and associated communication headsets as part of a major military gear upgrade.
Worth more than 1 billion Czech korunas ($47.8 million), the deal was arranged through the NATO Support and Procurement Agency (NSPA), which allows allies to jointly purchase equipment.
This includes the Pennsylvania-based company’s proprietary Ops-Core lightweight helmets and related accessories such as AMP headsets, push-to-talk radios, ballistic visors, face shields, jaw guards, and Special Operations Tactical Respirators with built-in microphones for use in hazardous environments.
The full setup forms an integrated protection and communication system aimed at improving troop safety, coordination, and movement in combat zones, according to the firm.
Throughout the project, NSPA will coordinate production and delivery with the Czech Ministry of Defence, while Gentex will handle training, fitting, and long-term support for the new equipment.
Deliveries of the suite are scheduled for completion by October 2026.
Supporting Allied Interoperability
Gentex said its systems are already used by several NATO militaries, ensuring common standards, easier maintenance, and simplified training for “troops operating side by side.”
“As a global leader of integrated headborne systems, this selection reinforces what all our NATO customers already know, that Ops-Core systems deliver unmatched modularity, reliability, and operational flexibility,” Gentex Global Defense VP Tom Short said.
“The Czech Republic is investing in a combat-proven solution with a global pedigree and strong NATO user base. We’re proud to be a trusted part of that modernization effort.”
