On Wednesday, May 13, 2026, British company Avon Protection announced that it had signed a five-year framework agreement with Canada’s Department of National Defence to supply the country’s armed forces with MITR-M1 filtering half masks, compact MITR-PF particulate filters, and dedicated accessories. The agreement will allow for the award of call-off contracts for deliveries.
Photo: Avon Protection
With this contract, Canada has become the first country in the Five Eyes intelligence alliance (UKUSA Agreement, commonly known as FVEY or Five Eyes) whose armed forces have signed an agreement for the supply of the MITR-M1 half mask. This will provide Canadian military personnel with a lightweight and flexible respiratory protection solution for tactical environments with low to medium threat levels.
The MITR-M1 was designed for rapidly changing operational situations in which neither disposable masks nor full-face respirators are suitable. It can be carried in cargo pockets or pouches, and takes only a few seconds to don. It provides protection against particulate contaminants such as gunshot residue, lead, asbestos, fentanyl, oil and non-oil mist, and other contaminants commonly encountered in tactical environments, from crowd-control operations to high-risk interventions. These substances have an adverse impact on the respiratory health of soldiers and law enforcement officers.
The MITR-M1 half mask has received CE and NIOSH certifications. It integrates seamlessly with ballistic helmets and protective helmets, using a strap or clip, as well as with other items of tactical equipment, such as night-vision goggles, eye protection, and hearing protection. Its low-profile, streamlined design allows the user to retain the ability to aim a weapon and communicate, including with voice amplification systems.
The MITR-M1 is already in use in a variety of operational conditions. Customers value it for its protection against a broad spectrum of particulate hazards ‒ from gunshot residue, lead, and asbestos to fentanyl and riot-control agents ‒ both during training and in real-world operations. Its versatility has made it a trusted choice for organizations operating in dynamic and high-risk environments.
“The research is clear: long term exposure to airborne particulate hazards is a major contributing factor to the negative health effects being experienced by military operators in later life,” Steve Elwell, President, Avon Protection, said. “In selecting the MITR-M1 Half Mask, the Canadian Military is focussed on protecting the health of its operators so they can do their jobs and get home safely. MITR-M1’s convenient and low-burden respiratory protection is redefining protection levels for this fast-evolving market, and we look forward to seeing this system enter service with Canada’s world-class defence force.”
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