VALIC Signs Five-Year Framework Agreement with Canadian Company Galvion for Tactical Helmet Systems
The State Centre for Defence Logistics and Procurement (VALIC) has reached an agreement with Canadian defence equipment manufacturer Galvion for the supply of tactical helmet systems to the Latvian National Armed Forces. The five-year framework agreement is one of the first of its kind concluded between an EU Member State and a Canadian company under the European Union’s Security Action for Europe (SAFE) instrument.
The agreement provides a framework for the procurement of high-quality tactical helmet systems for the Latvian National Armed Forces over a five-year period, providing also for their maintenance, repair, and disposal. It also lays the groundwork for closer international cooperation in defence procurement and contributes to building more secure and diversified supply chains.
“This is an important step towards strengthening defence cooperation between Latvia and Canada. It demonstrates that closer cooperation between the European Union and Canada in the field of security can bring real benefits to both countries and their defence industries. Initiatives like this can provide a practical foundation for broader cooperation between European countries and their partners in developing defence capabilities,” said Latvian Minister of Defence Raivis Melnis.
The Honourable David J. McGuinty, Minister of National Defence says: “A stronger Canada means a stronger defence industry. When Canadian companies compete and win internationally, they create good jobs at home, strengthen our industrial capacity and help our Allies meet their security needs. As Canada and Europe deepen our defence cooperation, we're creating new opportunities for Canadian innovation and expertise to contribute to our collective security and readiness.”
One of the key advantages of the agreement is that it offers other countries the opportunity to join the initiative and make use of the established procurement framework. This creates opportunities for joint procurement, closer cooperation between countries and more efficient use of defence resources.
“At VALIC, our task is to ensure that the needs of the Latvian National Armed Forces are met not only today but also in the long term. This framework agreement allows us to plan equipment procurement over several years while also covering maintenance, repair and full life cycle management. It is important to us that every defence procurement delivers maximum value and provides reliable, sustainable solutions to meet the needs of the armed forces,” said Lieutenant Colonel Alans Andrulis, head of the State Centre for Defence Logistics and Procurement.
“We are proud to partner with Latvia on this important program and to be among the first Canadian defence companies awarded a contract through the EU's SAFE initiative,” said Jonathan Blanshay, Founder and Executive Chairman of Galvion. “Galvion has invested strategically in its European capabilities, partnerships and supply chain for many years, with a clear focus on supporting the long-term needs of European defence forces. This agreement reflects the value of that commitment and demonstrates how closer cooperation between Canada and Europe can strengthen defence capabilities, build more resilient supply chains and create opportunities for broader industrial collaboration.”
The European Union’s Security Action for Europe (SAFE) instrument was established to help Member States increase investment in defence and carry out joint procurement through financial support. It enables Member States to increase defence investment more quickly while supporting the development of the European defence industry and cooperation with international partners.
VALIC’s cooperation with Canadian company Galvion demonstrates how international procurement can serve not only to meet the needs of the Latvian National Armed Forces, but also to build broader partnerships between countries and defence industry companies.
The State Defence Logistics and Procurement Centre (VALIC) is an institution under the direct authority of the Ministry of Defence of Latvia. Established on 1 January 2021, its primary mission is to ensure comprehensive life-cycle management of material resources and centralized procurement across the entire defence sector. The Centre's core responsibility is to meet the National Armed Forces' requirements with maximum efficiency - ensuring continuity, timeliness, and appropriate volume.