US follows Canada as second Five Eyes nation to adopt Avon’s MITR half-mask system

The U.S. Department of War has ordered Avon Protection’s MITR system, a half mask and powered goggle designed to give special operators scalable face protection without a full-face respirator, the company said Oct. 9.

The order covers the MITR-M1 half mask and MITR-PG1 powered goggle for U.S. Special Operations Forces, along with two filter types and integrated helmet and communication accessories for mission-specific modularity. Avon did not disclose the order’s size or value.

Avon pitches the system as an alternative to full-face respirators, so users in tactical threat environments can add protection as a mission turns dynamic and fast-paced.

Half mask that clips to helmet

The MITR-M1 is NIOSH-certified and provides lightweight, flexible respiratory protection for the nose and mouth. Its flush-fitting curved profile lets wearers keep weapon sighting, and voice amplification and projection units help them stay in communication. A helmet mount kit clips the mask directly to the helmet, so it can be donned without taking the helmet off.

A powered goggle for eyes

The MITR-PG1 is built to fit with the half mask and protect the eyes from riot agents. An integrated air-purging system constantly purges air to keep lenses clear. The lightweight, fog-resistant, tactical-black design works with combat helmets and night vision systems, and Avon says it is comfortable for extended wear.

Two filters, both P100

The MITR-PF compact particulate filter uses a pleated, high-efficiency element to protect against biological and pharmaceutical agents. The MITR-RF compact riot filter adds an activated carbon layer for riot agent vapor protection. Both meet NIOSH P100 requirements, removing more than 99.97% of harmful airborne particulates.

Second Five Eyes customer

With the order, the U.S. becomes the second Five Eyes nation to select the MITR-M1, after Canada picked it in May 2026, the company said.

Steve Elwell, Avon Protection’s president, said the award culminates nearly four years of working with end users to develop a solution that meets their mission requirements. Securing the Department of War as another customer, he said, reflects continued focus on protecting personnel’s health in the short and long term.

For tactical operators, Elwell said, MITR is not only about protection during today’s mission. It is about reducing lifetime exposure to hazardous particulates that can contribute to long-term health problems, he said, so those who serve stay healthy long after their careers end. He called the award an important step in bringing the capability to a wider community of users.

Avon did not disclose when deliveries would begin or how many systems the Pentagon ordered.