Bundeswehr Acquires New Combat Helmet from Hexonia

The Bundeswehr has apparently made a decision regarding the new combat helmet manufactured by the North Rhine-Westphalian company Hexonia. According to the specialist portal Hartpunkt, the helmet, named Trivium, outperformed all competitors in a troop trial conducted in spring 2026. Following this, the Bundeswehr requested the first and second place competitors to submit a 'Best and Final Offer,' after which Hexonia was awarded the contract. The new helmet is made from ultra-high molecular weight polyethylene (UHMWPE), a lightweight and robust plastic that continues the trend away from Kevlar. An older combat helmet used by the Bundeswehr was already not made from Kevlar.

The Trivium helmet represents an advancement over its predecessor model, which is already in use by the Bundeswehr's special forces. The Trivium helmet not only provides protection but also allows for the integration of technical enhancements. Soldiers can communicate and receive information through the helmet. Possible enhancements include headsets, friend-or-foe identification systems, and cameras. Hexonia describes the Trivium helmet as a modern ballistic combat helmet weighing between 1.12 and 1.29 kilograms.

The helmet is puncture-resistant against 9 mm Parabellum and meets the ballistic retention performance requirements according to TL 84700004 of the Bundeswehr. The helmet's construction ensures high shape stability and safety. The interior of the helmet is freely configurable to meet the individual needs of users. A dial on the headband, operable with gloves, allows for quick donning and doffing of the helmet. The special shock-absorbing pads and chin strap are certified according to EN 12492, guaranteeing the highest level of safety.

The Bundestag has already approved the financial resources for the procurement of up to 1.4 million helmets. However, the exact costs of the new helmet are not yet known. The objection period must now be awaited before the award is considered final. The decision for the Trivium helmet could have far-reaching implications for the Bundeswehr's equipment. The helmet is not only a protective device but also a technological tool intended to enhance the operational capability of soldiers.

The integration of modern communication technologies into military equipment is a step towards a connected combat operation. Hexonia has succeeded with the Trivium helmet in a competitive environment. The troop trial has shown that the helmet meets the Bundeswehr's requirements. The Bundeswehr plans to gradually introduce the helmets in the coming years. The first helmets could already be delivered to the troops during the year 2027, provided the objection period proceeds without complications. The Trivium helmet is regarded as a significant advancement in the personal protective equipment of the Bundeswehr.