New riot suit from Israel Weapon Industries absorbs kinetic energy

The GAL Versatile Protective Suit can reduce trauma by up to 95%, the company says

By Staff

RAMAT HASHARON, Israel — Last month, Israel Weapon Industries (IWI), a manufacturer of combat gear and small arms, debuted its GAL Versatile Protective Suit (VPS) in collaboration with the special operations team of the West Virginia Division of Corrections and Rehabilitation (DCR). The GAL VPS reduces trauma by absorbing and diverting kinetic forces, such as a blow to the wearer’s body, by up to 95%, according to a press release.

The suit is described as a lightweight and versatile solution for protecting law enforcement and corrections personnel from traumatic injuries, according to IWI. The GAL VPS weighs between 9.7 pounds and 13 pounds, comes in sizes small to large, and is also made with an anti-abrasion material. Flame retardant material is available as an added cost. The suit includes a vest and arm and leg protectors.

“By changing the geometry of the GAL VPS, we have increased the level of protection it offers, decreasing the intensity of impact by 95%, to just 0.7-1.5 joules,” said Ronen Hamudot, executive VP of marketing and sales at SK Group, in a statement. “The MOC Prison Riot event facilitates tactical training and technology deployment demonstrations, resulting in candid practitioner feedback that shapes the law enforcement and corrections industry on an international scale.”