In April 2022, the Federal Ministry of Defence (BMVg) awarded an order for a total of 305,000 protective vest systems, with deliveries beginning in December 2022 from Mehler Protection’s newly opened facility in Fulda specifically for this program. Exceeding 4,000 systems in the first month, the delivery pace remained consistent, culminating in the milestone of 100,000 systems delivered within just over a year.
Deliveries are slated to continue according to plan until 2024.
“Our top priority is to deliver our systems reliably and in a manner compliant with threats and missions, ensuring the complete satisfaction of our customers. The delivery of the 100,000th protective vest system to Bw Bekleidungsmanagement GmbH marks a crucial milestone in this successful program,” emphasised Thomas Homberg, CEO of the Mehler Systems Group.
The MOBAST program, short for “Modular Ballistic Protection and Carrying Equipment,” represents an innovative solution consisting of versatile protective vest system and adaptable carrying gear. It integrates both soft and hard ballistic protection, covering vital areas such as the shoulder, neck, upper arm, lower abdomen, and thigh, along with additional stab protection.
Dr. Mario Amschlinger, COO/CFO of Mehler Systems, underscored the system’s distinct advantage, stating, “Our protective vest system for the MOBAST program of the Bundeswehr boasts high modularity and scalability, enabling swift adaptation to diverse mission scenarios, a significant edge over competing offerings.”
Delivering high-ddded value and reliability
Given the evolving global security landscape, the MOBAST personal protective equipment plays a vital role in equipping the German Armed Forces comprehensively, offering threat-appropriate protection in all present and future operational scenarios.
Mehler Protection emphasises the high-value creation in Europe through internal development, production, testing procedures, and quality assurance, as well as extensive involvement of German and European suppliers and service providers. This is done in the interest of preserving and enhancing industrial core capabilities in Europe, particularly in Germany, in the field of ballistic protection, while ensuring the necessary supply security for the German Armed Forces.
Despite global disruptions in international supply chains due to the aftermath of the COVID-19 pandemic and the war in Ukraine, the company reaffirms its ability to reliably meet the German Armed Forces’ deadlines. Close coordination between client and industry is ensured through joint program management with BAINBw and BwBM GmbH.
Landmark achievement: 100,000 MOBAST protective vest system delivered
In a joint event on February 5, 2024, Mehler Systems Group’s CEO, Mr. Thomas Homberg, and COO/CFO, Mr. Dr. Mario Amschlinger, symbolically handed over the 100,000th MOBAST protective vest system to Vice Admiral Carsten Stawitzki, Head of the Equipment Department at the Federal Ministry of Defence, and the Managing Directors of Bundeswehr Bekleidungsmanagement GmbH (BwBM), Mr. Stephan Minz and Dr. Felix Wriggers, in Cologne.
This significant handover marks a milestone in the successful MOBAST program.
“A modern protective vest is a crucial element in the equipment of our soldiers. I am therefore pleased about the rapid expansion of Mehler Protection’s production in order to provide the troops with the necessary protection in the most timely manner possible,” emphasised Stawitzki.
