Arclin & BSST Advance Next-Generation Bomb Disposal Protection with New EOD Suit Featuring Kevlar® EXO™
Arclin, a materials science company based in Alpharetta, Georgia, has announced a collaboration with BSST, a manufacturer of bomb suits and body armor, to develop a next-generation explosive ordnance disposal (EOD) suit featuring Kevlar® EXO™ aramid fiber technology. This new suit is designed for explosive threat response operations in challenging environments and aims to combine advanced fragment protection with a significant reduction in weight to enhance mobility, endurance, and operational performance.
The certified EOD suit utilizes Kevlar® EXO™ fabric, integrated with BSST's proprietary design architecture and technologies. This development responds to the evolving needs of end-users and reflects BSST's commitment to innovation, offering a lightweight solution without compromising the protection required against explosive fragmentation threats.
Weighing approximately 30 kilograms (66 pounds), the new suit is about 15 percent lighter than many conventional EOD suits, which can exceed 35 kilograms (77 pounds). This weight reduction is intended to improve operator comfort and maneuverability during extended missions, while still ensuring a high level of protection during explosive threat response.
Steven LaGanke, Global Segment Leader for Defense at Arclin, commented on the significance of the collaboration, stating, "Bomb disposal professionals operate in environments where every decision matters and every pound carried can impact performance." He emphasized that the innovation represents a step forward in personal protection solutions, integrating lighter materials that meet modern security needs.
BSST's Technical Director for R&D, Heiko Baumann, noted that the launch of the suit marks an important milestone in bomb disposal protection. He highlighted the successful combination of BSST's EOD suit design expertise with the advanced performance capabilities of Kevlar® EXO™, effectively addressing challenges related to weight and protection.
The new EOD suit is available for international deployment and is set for introduction in key markets across Europe and Asia. Arclin and BSST plan to showcase the suit at Eurosatory 2026, scheduled for June 15-19 at the Paris Nord Villepinte Exhibition Centre in Paris, France.