Omega Core – the ultralight combat helmet

MEHLER PROTECTION is expanding its ballistic helmet portfolio with the Omega Core, an ultra-light combat helmet made from a high-performance UHMWPE composite, designed for modern tactical and military mission profiles.

The Omega Core combines an optimised UHMWPE composite core with a shell-integrated energy-dissipation system and an ergonomically designed interior. The result is an optimal weight-to-performance ratio that enhances mobility while reducing operational fatigue and neck strain. The helmet system will be showcased at Enforce Tac 2026 as part of MEHLER PROTECTION’s current helmet portfolio. Industry professionals, particularly those representing European armed forces, are warmly invited to visit the Mehler Systems Group stand to experience the combat helmet first-hand.

The Omega Core pairs a sophisticated ballistic construction with an open rail architecture and modular interfaces, e.g. for NVG mounts, visors, communications devices and hearing protection and more. The interior features multi-chamber pads and adaptive anchoring points to minimise micro-movements under dynamic loads, thereby improving stability, comfort, and fit. The individually adjustable suspension net provides continuous ventilation to reduce perspiration and heat build-up. The shell concept is engineered for low backface deformation and optimised fragment deflection. Thanks to its modular platform architecture, the helmet can be adapted to different mission profiles, ranging from highly mobile operations to scenarios involving variable threat environments.

“With the Omega Core we are setting the benchmark for ultra-light, fully integrable combat helmets. The system is 'Made in Germany', underpinned by a resilient European supply chain. Operators will benefit from a weight saving of around 20 per cent compared to the current Bundeswehr combat helmet, without compromising on protection, ergonomics or system integration,” says Mario Amschlinger, CEO of MEHLER SYSTEMS.

The Omega Core is engineered as an ultra-light helmet system. It ranks at the very top of its class and delivers clear advantages in mobility and reduced fatigue during extended missions. The system is tested, among others, to the “Ballistic Helmet” system standard (Chapter 3.2, May 2010), STANAG 2920 (V50 procedure for fragment protection) and NIJ STD 0106.01. Ballistic tests with operationally relevant handgun ammunition (example calibres: 9 mm FMJ RN, .357 SIG FMJ FN, .44 Mag SJHP) are conducted to evaluate performance. These standards and additional procedures ensure that ballistic performance, impact attenuation and material durability meet the requirements expected by military users.

Production and delivery capability

Series production takes place at MEHLER PROTECTION’s dedicated facility in Fulda. The automated production line provides capacity for more than 50,000 state-of-the-art helmets per year. Mehler Protection has the organisational and technical capabilities to scale output to three times this volume at short notice upon receipt of orders. This ensures armed forces’ requirements can be met quickly and reliably. The production strategy is based on rapid scalability, a dual-sourcing approach for critical components and qualified supplier networks across Europe. MEHLER PROTECTION has demonstrated on-time delivery, high quality standards and supply chain resilience in major body armour programmes. MORE INFO about OMEGA helmets from MEHLER PROTECTION.