SOURCE: AFI
In a testament to India’s growing prowess in global defence manufacturing, Philippine soldiers are now equipped with advanced Kavro helmets produced by Kanpur-based MKU Limited. This development, spotlighted in early 2025, marks a significant milestone in the deepening defence collaboration between India and the Philippines, showcasing the reach of India’s “Make in India” initiative. The deployment of these cutting-edge ballistic helmets underscores not only MKU’s technological innovation but also the Philippines’ trust in Indian defence solutions to enhance its military capabilities.
MKU Limited, headquartered in Kanpur, Uttar Pradesh, has carved a niche as a global leader in ballistic protection, supplying smart solutions to over 230 forces across 100 countries. The Kavro series, a flagship offering under MKU’s protection division, represents the pinnacle of modern combat helmet design. Philippine soldiers are primarily equipped with two variants: the Kavro ACH-125T Advanced Combat Helmet and the Kavro HCH-133B Lightweight High-Cut Ballistic Helmet, tailored for standard infantry and special operations units, respectively.
The ACH-125T, a full-cut helmet, provides robust protection against 9mm rounds and fragments, featuring a night vision goggle (NVG) mount and rail system for tactical accessories. Weighing between 1.2-1.4 kg, it balances lightweight comfort with ballistic resilience, making it ideal for prolonged missions. The HCH-133B, designed for special forces, offers a high-cut profile for enhanced mobility and compatibility with communication headsets, while maintaining Level IIIA protection. Both helmets incorporate MKU’s Reduced Helmet Trauma (RHT) technology, which cuts behind-armor blunt trauma (BABT) by over 40% compared to conventional helmets, significantly reducing head injuries.
The journey of Kavro helmets to the Philippines began in July 2022, when the Philippine Department of National Defense (DND) awarded MKU a contract worth PHP 1.077 billion (approximately $20 million) under the Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) Modernization Program’s Horizon 1 phase. The order included 41,584 standard ballistic helmets and 6,000 high-cut helmets for special operations, outpacing bids from U.S., Israeli, and other international competitors. The contract, formalized with a Notice to Proceed on November 15, 2022, mandated delivery by November 14, 2023, with batches arriving between May and November 2023.
This acquisition stemmed from the cancellation of a PHP 6.5 billion Shore-Based Missile System project in 2015, redirecting funds to force protection equipment. After multiple failed bidding attempts, MKU emerged victorious in a competitive tender in June 2022, underscoring its cost-effectiveness and technical superiority. The helmets are now in active use by units like the AFP’s 9th Infantry Division “Spear,” enhancing soldier safety in counter-insurgency and territorial defence operations.
The equipping of Philippine soldiers with Kavro helmets is more than a transactional success—it’s a symbol of growing Indo-Philippine defence cooperation. India and the Philippines share a mutual interest in countering regional security challenges, particularly in the Indo-Pacific, where China’s assertive maritime presence looms large. The Philippines, locked in disputes over the South China Sea, relies on a modernized military to safeguard its sovereignty, while India seeks to expand its defence footprint under the Act East policy.
For the AFP, the Kavro helmets enhance operational effectiveness in diverse terrains—from Mindanao’s jungles, where counter-terrorism operations against groups like Abu Sayyaf persist, to the West Philippine Sea’s maritime frontiers. The helmets’ lightweight design and accessory compatibility improve soldier endurance and situational awareness, critical against modern threats. Paired with other modernization efforts—like Harris radios and SIG Sauer rifles—these helmets elevate the AFP’s readiness.
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