12 December 2024. The handover of the 200,000th MOBAST protective vest system from Mehler Protection to Bw Bekleidungsmanagement GmbH (BwBM) marks another milestone in modernisation of the personal equipment of the German Federal Armed Forces. Taking place at the SVS Koblenz site, the delivery underscores the success of a complex procurement process executed amidst global uncertainties.
Photos: Mehler Systems
The MOBAST programme aims to equip the German Federal Armed Forces with modern, modular protective vest systems by the end of 2025. These systems offer a high level of protection, with modular adaptability to different operational scenarios.
Handover attended by senior officials
The ceremony was attended by senior officials, including Colonel Marko Dietzmann, Project Manager for Clothing and Personal Equipment at BAAINBw, Dr Felix Wriggers and Stephan Minz, Managing Directors of BwBM, Dr Mario Amschlinger, designated CEO of Mehler Systems Group, and Jakob Kolbeck, Managing Director of Lindnerhof Taktik.
The delivery of the 200,000th MOBAST protective vest system is a significant milestone, stated Dr. Mario Amschlinger. This project exemplifies our commitment as a reliable partner to developing innovative and scalable protective solutions that meet the requirements of the user.
Reliable supply despite global challenges
Production of the MOBAST protective vest system takes place at a facility built specifically for this program in Fulda, Germany. Deliveries began on schedule in December 2022 with an initial volume of over 4,000 units per month. After just over a year, the 100,000th system was delivered – a milestone that will be followed by the delivery of the 200,000th system in December 2024. The project is currently on track to meet the agreed production targets by the end of 2025.
At a time of global uncertainty and geopolitical challenges, we have successfully established a robust and reliable supply chain, explained Dr. Mario Amschlinger. This ensures that we can deliver on time, even under difficult conditions.
MOBAST: Combining Protection and Modularity
The MOBAST (short for Modular Ballistic Protection and Carrying Equipment) system integrates both soft and hard ballistic protection and covers central areas of the body such as shoulders, neck, upper arms, abdomen and thighs. The system’s modular design allows for rapid adaption to different threat scenarios. It can be equipped with anything from protection against stabbing, handguns and shrapnel to protection against long-range weapons. The scalability and modularity of the MOBAST system are key factors in meeting the specific requirements of a wide range of missions.
Value creation in Germany and Europe
Mehler Protection attaches great importance to strengthening industrial core competences in Germany. Each MOBAST protective vest system, including its ballistic components, is fully developed in Germany and tested by an independent German ballistic authority. The successful cooperation between the Bundeswehr, industry and suppliers shows how innovative protective solutions can be developed and reliably delivered to the end user even in challenging times, concluded Dr. Amschlinger.
