United States becomes latest country to purchase Avon MITR protection system

The United States has become the latest nation to place an order for Avon Protection’s MITR System, Avon announced on Friday 9 October.

The recent order by the Department of War incorporates the MITR-M1 Half Mask and MITR-PG1 Powered Goggle for its special operations forces and includes both MITR-PF Particulate Filter and MITR-RF Riot Filter for mission-specific modularity, and integrated helmet and communication system accessories. 

The MITR System delivers modular protection for eyes, nose and mouth as an alternative to full-face respirators, allowing users in tactical threat environments to scale up their protection during dynamic, fast-paced missions.    

The NIOSH-certified MITR-M1 Half Mask with MITR-PF Filter provides users with lightweight, flexible respiratory protection for the nose and mouth. With a sleek flush-fitting curved profile, the wearer retains weapon sighting ability and maintains communications via voice amplification/projection units. The half mask clips directly to the wearer’s helmet via the MITR-M1 Helmet Mount Kit, enabling the mask to be donned without removing the helmet.  

MITR-PG1 has been designed to integrate seamlessly with the MITR-M1 Half Mask, providing ocular protection against riot agents. With an integrated air purging system that constantly purges air, the goggle’s lightweight, fog-resistant, tactical-black design provides clear vision and operational readiness in the most demanding conditions. Lightweight and comfortable for extended wear, MITR-PG1 is compatible with combat helmets and night vision systems.  

Avon Protection’s MITR-PF Compact Particulate Filter is a low-profile design with a particulate filter containing a pleated, high-efficiency filter element for protection against biological and pharmaceutical agents. The MITR-RF Compact Riot Filter combines the pleated, high efficiency filter with activated carbon layer for additional riot agent vapour protection. Both filters provide NIOSH P100 protection, removing greater than 99.97 percent of harmful airborne particulates. 

With this order, the US has become the second FVEY nation to select the MITR-M1 Half Mask, following Canada’s selection in May 2026. 

Steve Elwell, president of Avon Protection, said: "This award culminates nearly four years of working collaboratively with end-users developing a solution that meets their mission requirements. Securing the US DoW as another customer for the MITR System demonstrates continued focus on protecting the health of personnel, both in the short-term and the long-term. 

"For tactical operators, MITR is not just about protection during today's mission, it is about reducing lifetime exposure to hazardous particulates that can contribute to long-term health issues and helping ensure those who serve remain healthy long after their careers end. This award represents an important step in bringing this capability to a wider community of users."