VentureOne, CARACAL Introduce Centurion Body Armor

Our Bureau - : Feb 21, 2025 - : 12:08 am

Abu Dhabi-based firms VentureOne and CARACAL have introduced Centurion, a new body armour system designed by the Technology Innovation Institute (TII), at IDEX 2025.

Centurion is designed to enhance soldier protection by integrating advanced materials that improve mobility, comfort, and safety, even in extreme conditions. Developed by TII experts, the system addresses the limitations of traditional body armour, which can be heavy, restrictive, and prone to overheating. It will first be deployed with UAE troops before being made available for export.

Hamad Al Ameri, CARACAL CEO, said: “Our partnership with VentureOne and TII is aimed at meeting the direct fire challenges faced by modern infantries. We understand that lighter weight, enhanced manoeuvrability, and maximum survivability are critical factors in our customers choice of body armor. The result of our understanding and combined research and development efforts have led to the creation of Centurion, our latest offering in advanced anti-ballistic panels”.

Centurion’s armour plates provide rifle-grade protection, with the Level III++ variant capable of withstanding multiple rounds from 7.62x51mm NATO FMJ (M80), 7.62x39mm MSC Ball, and 5.56x45mm (SS109/M855) ammunition. The system exceeds international ballistic standards, including those set by the National Institute of Justice (NIJ), while minimising impact trauma.

The armour is lightweight, cost-effective, and designed for mobility. It features a modular plate system with multiple shapes and coatings to suit different operational requirements, including covert, tactical, and maritime missions. The system also has positive buoyancy, making it suitable for marine and diver operations. Additionally, it can integrate situational awareness features to enhance real-time responsiveness.

“National security, and the safety of those supporting it, require the most advanced and innovative technologies available,” said Reda Nidhakou, the Acting CEO of VentureOne. “Centurion will play a key role in equipping and protecting soldiers in the UAE and beyond. We are proud to bring such protective solution to their hands. By bringing these innovations to market, we are redefining battlefield protection for forces worldwide.”

“Advanced materials, which combine two or more substances with different properties, are changing the game for defense and other industries that need ballistic protection,” said Prof. Vincenzo Giannini, the Chief Researcher of the Advanced Materials Research Center at the Technology Innovation Institute. “Centurion uses cutting-edge materials and patented processing technologies that reduce weight and thickness while maintaining superior protection, ensuring troops can move faster and operate longer without compromising safety.”

As part of the agreement, VentureOne and CARACAL will establish production lines in the UAE to scale up Centurion for local and international markets. The project will continue to benefit from TII’s research and innovation to maintain competitiveness.

Both VentureOne and TII operate under the Advanced Technology Research Council, which oversees research and development in Abu Dhabi to advance technologies with global applications.

Caracal / Ventureone / Centurion-body-armor / Technology-innovation-institute-tii /