The U.S. Department of Defense (DoD) has awarded Avon Protection Systems a $245,9 million contract for production of M53A1 gas mask.

According to a DoD statement,  Avon Protection Systems, the world leader in the design of advanced CBRN respiratory protection solutions, was awarded a $245,961,250 contract for production of M53A1 Chemical Biological Protective Mask systems.

Avon Protection Systems is a major supplier to the U.S. Military including the Army, Air Force, Marines, Navy, and Coast Guard.

The M53A1 was developed to counter military unique and domestic threats encountered on the modern battlefield, the global war on terrorism, and peacekeeping operations around the world.

According to Avon Protection, the M53A1 gas mask provides protection against traditional chemical and biological agents, select toxic industrial chemicals (TICs), and particulate matter including radioactive dust.

The M53A1 can function as a conventional negative pressure or air purifying respirator (APR), powered-air purifying respirator (PAPR), self-contained breathing apparatus (SCBA), closed-circuit breathing apparatus (CCBA) and combination SCBA and PAPR systems.

Work locations and funding will be determined with each order, with an estimated completion date of March 24, 2024.