The AFSFC is delivering new helmets as part of its effort to standardise and modernise Defender equipment across the USAF. Credit: US Air Force, photo by Senior Airman Taylor Crul.

The US Department of Air Force (DAF) has announced the roll out of the new Security Forces (SF) NextGen Helmet 2.0 for its Defenders.

The new helmets will be handed over later this year.

Go deeper with GlobalData

Go deeper with GlobalData

The gold standard of business intelligence.

Find out more

Discover B2B Marketing That Performs

Combine business intelligence and editorial excellence to reach engaged professionals across 36 leading media platforms.

Find out more

Procurement of Helmet 2.0 is a part of the US Air Force Security Forces Centre’s (AFSFC) ‘replacement through attrition programme’.

A contract was recently awarded by the AFSFC to acquire the new helmets that will allow the users to mount a wide range of accessories on it.

Helmet 2.0 will have a built-in easy-to-replace night-vision goggle mount, bolt-on accessory rails, and a chinstrap extender for gas masks.

According to AFSFC individual protective equipment (IPE) programme manager master sergeant John Sutherland, the attrition programme builds on the success of the SF NextGen 1.0 helmet, launched in 2020.

GlobalData Strategic Intelligence

US Tariffs are shifting - will you react or anticipate?

Don’t let policy changes catch you off guard. Stay proactive with real-time data and expert analysis.

By GlobalData

Prior to the fielding of new helmet, the process involved conducting various comprehensive tests and surveys to gather feedback from Defenders.

The helmets were used by Defenders during field training, which involved mounted and dismounted operations, low/high crawl and other air base defence training missions.

Defenders also participated in the survey conducted to collect reviews about helmet’s functionalities.

Sutherland said: “Feedback from the field is critical and is actually reason that some of characteristics for 2.0 helmet were developed.

“No amount of testing or technical evaluations will cover everything because at the end of the day, only Defenders know what Defenders need.”

The AFSFC’s NextGen helmet programme is one aspect of the broad initiative to standardise and modernise Defenders’ equipment across the USAF and Space Force.

Sutherland added: “These efforts ensure that Defenders can expect technologically relevant and high-quality gear no matter where they are performing their mission.”

Airforce Technology Excellence Awards - Nominations Closed

Nominations are now closed for the Airforce Technology Excellence Awards. A big thanks to all the organisations that entered – your response has been outstanding, showcasing exceptional innovation, leadership, and impact.


Excellence in Action
Discover how Virtualitics is transforming mission readiness with explainable AI, predictive maintenance, and data-driven decision intelligence across the U.S. Department of Defense through its AI-powered Integrated Readiness Optimization suite, for which it has won the Innovation and Business Expansion awards.

Discover the Impact