Aquaterro

What Aquaterro does

Aquaterro is a privately held Australian defence and law enforcement equipment supplier founded in 1994 by Graeme Bulte and headquartered in a 12,000m2 Defence Precinct in Pakenham, Victoria. The company sources, distributes, manufactures, and sustains tactical gear, body armour, ballistic protection, small arms systems, and soldier-worn equipment, holding exclusive Australian, Oceanian, and Southeast Asian distribution rights for more than 25 leading global brands including SIG SAUER, Team Wendy, TYR Tactical, Wilcox, Safariland, Oakley SI, Unity Tactical, and Modlite. Aquaterro holds the prime contract for the ADF's LAND125.3B Tiered Combat Helmet Program (delivering 65,000+ helmets since 2016) and is involved in LAND159 Small Arms Replacement, supplying to all federal and state/territory police forces and agencies in Australia as well as NZ Defence and Police.

The company's core technology footprint centres on sovereign Australian manufacturing capability rather than core R&D: in-house 3D printing, CNC machining, laser cutting, industrial sewing, ballistic inspection, and refurbishment workshops supported by world-first technology transfer agreements with SIG SAUER, Team Wendy, TYR Tactical, Wilcox, and Safariland. It manufactures its own Peacemaker branded textile and armour products under an AMCU pattern licence. Aquaterro operates from a 5,000m2 purpose-built Global Headquarters (opened 2020) and a 3,000m2 Integrated Soldier Systems Centre (completed July 2021), with a 100m indoor shooting range, secure vault storage, and high-security warehouse facilities.

Aquaterro's revenue model is anchored in long-term, multi-year government contracts tendered through formal procurement and RFP processes, supplemented by service and sustainment revenue across the equipment lifecycle (inspection, repair, refurbishment, fitting, asset tracking) and direct-to-consumer sales via the Broad Arrow Tactical ecommerce platform. Key customers include the Australian Defence Force, Australian Federal Police, Australian Border Force, every Australian state and territory police force, DFAT, ACIC, and corrections services. Pricing is contract-driven and not publicly disclosed. The firm is ISO 9001:2015 certified, holds Class-1 Firearms and Prohibited Weapons Dealer licences, and is Ethical Clothing Australia accredited. The Bulte Group is the parent corporate entity, with Broad Arrow Forge (armament/engineering services, spun off in 2021) and Broad Arrow Tactical (ecommerce) as related operating divisions.

Name

Aquaterro

Legal name

Aquaterro

Website

https://aquaterro.com

Company type

Private

Founded year

1994

Operating status

Operating

Headcount range

11–50 employees

Short description

Aquaterro is a privately held Australian supplier and systems integrator of tactical equipment, body armour, ballistic protection, and small arms for the Australian Defence Force, all state and federal police agencies, and NZ defence and police. The company holds exclusive distribution rights for 25+ global tactical brands and operates sovereign Australian manufacturing and sustainment capabilities from a 12,000m2 Defence Precinct.

Ownership category

akta.pro rank

Headquarters

HQ city

Pakenham

HQ country

Australia

HQ region

Oceania

Offices4 records

Markets served

GTM type

B2B

Offering type

Hardware or Manufacturing

Cost components

Supply Chain, Personnel, Infrastructure, Operations, Technology or R&D, Marketing or Sales, Others

Revenue model

1. Defence Equipment Supply: Aquaterro supplies best-in-class tactical and defence equipment to Australian Defence Force and government agencies through major contract programs including LAND125.3B (Tiered Combat Helmet Program), LAND159 (Small Arms Replacement Program), and body armour programs. Revenue generated from product supply, assembly, kitting, and local manufacturing services.
2. Law Enforcement Equipment Supply: Supply of tactical gear, body armour, ballistic protection, uniforms, and operational equipment to federal, state, and territory police departments, corrections services, and government agencies across Australia.
3. Service and Sustainment: Aquaterro provides through-life support services including inspection, repair, refurbishment, and reconfiguration of equipment in line with government customer requirements and OEM work instructions. Complete life-of-type capability from procurement through to disposal.
4. Research and Development: In-house product design, development, testing, and manufacturing capability providing sustainable value beyond simple product delivery. Includes new product design with manufacturing partners and bespoke solutions development.
5. Broad Arrow Tactical Ecommerce: Direct-to-consumer and SME sales through the Broad Arrow Tactical ecommerce website, providing tactical gear to individuals and smaller organisations across various sectors.

Pricing tiers

Go-to-market motion1 record

Distribution channels3 records

Marketing channels5 records

Core offering

Aquaterro sources, distributes, manufactures, and sustains best-in-class tactical and protective equipment for the Australian Defence Force, federal and state police, and government agencies. Its offering spans hard goods (body armour, combat helmets, small arms, optics, eyewear, gloves, communications) and lifecycle services (helmet refurbishment, body armour measurement/fitting, OEM technology transfer manufacturing under its Peacemaker brand, and full life-of-type sustainment). It operates a niche ecommerce channel (Broad Arrow Tactical) for individual professionals.

Differentiator

Problem solved

Functional benefit

Brands

• Peacemaker: A 100% Australian owned company that specializes in the design and manufacturing of high-quality tactical nylon solutions including helmet covers, accoutrement and equipment pouches, duty bags and duty belts for military, law enforcement and outdoor enthusiasts.

Products and services

• Tiered Combat Helmet Program (LAND125.3B) Prime contract supply of Tiered Combat Helmets (TCH) to all ADF services, plus the related half-life (5-year) refurbishment program. Includes local manufacture, AMCU-pattern textile covers, NVG compatibility upgrades, and through-life technical inspection at the Broad Arrow Forge centre (processing rate ~750 helmets/month).
• ADF Tiered Combat Helmet Refurbishment Contract ($35M) Landmark $35M contract to refurbish the ADF's Tiered Combat Helmet fleet — full technical inspection, rebuild, and return-to-service delivered from Aquaterro's 3,000m² Integrated Soldier Systems Centre at Pakenham.
• Multi-Threat Body Armour Program (Law Enforcement) Full end-to-end body armour program for Australian police (e.g. WA Police 6,500+ officers on 3-year contract): supply of new/updated multi-threat ballistic vests, plus nationwide measurement and custom fitting across 556+ fitting locations.
• SIG SAUER Weapon Systems Supply (LAND159) Exclusive supply of SIG SAUER small arms weapon systems to the Australian Department of Defence under LAND159, plus cross-agency supply across Australian and NZ agencies — with local armoury, technology transfer, assembly and technical systems support.
• Search and Rescue Equipment Range Specialist SAR equipment range: Air Rescue Systems Vita Rescue load-stabilisation device, Team Wendy Exfil Rescuer/Maritime Rescuer bump helmets, harnesses and Safariland Redline Communications Kits — supplied to Australian Maritime and Aviation SAR crews and partners such as Babcock.
• Broad Arrow Tactical Ecommerce Store Aquaterro's ecommerce storefront selling professional-grade tactical apparel and equipment (body armour, helmets, gloves, optics, eyewear, load carriage) to individuals and SMEs across Australia, with verification for bulk orders above AUD $1,000 or quantities greater than 3.
• Peacemaker Branded Tactical Products Aquaterro's proprietary Peacemaker® brand — 100% Australian designed and manufactured tactical nylon and textile solutions including ballistic helmet covers, equipment pouches, load carriage systems, duty bags, duty belts, body armour vests, and injection-moulded parts for armour systems. Includes the CVC-E (Combat Vehicle Crewman Enhanced) helmet with NSN as an Australian Product and 100% Australian-made AMCU-pattern helmet covers for the TCH and CVC fleet.
• Broad Arrow Forge Engineering, Armourer & Sustainment Services Through-life engineering, armourer, technical inspection, refurbishment, secure storage and small-arms sustainment services supporting Australasian defence and law enforcement customers — co-located within the Aquaterro Defence Precinct at Pakenham.
• PepperBall Non-Lethal Systems Distribution Exclusive Australian and New Zealand distribution of PepperBall non-lethal compliance and force-option systems (launchers, projectiles) for law enforcement, corrections, military and security agencies — held for nearly 10 years.
• Team Wendy / Avon Protection RIFLETECH Helmet Advanced combat helmet (RIFLETECH) supplied under exclusive distribution arrangements for Australia/Oceania/SE Asia — boltless architecture, ENVG-ready, designed for next-generation soldier systems.

Quantifiable outcome

• 65,000 Tiered Combat Helmets delivered to ADF since 2016 under LAND125.3B
• +7 more outcomes

Named customers17 records

Segments6 records

Ideal customer profiles4 records

Technology focussed No

API detail

Has API

No

API docs

API detail

Core technology

AI maturity

App detail

Feature4 records

Partnerships

30 partnerships are on record, tiered core.

• SIG SAUERcoreStrategic or Co-development PartnerAquaterro is SIG SAUER's exclusive partner for the Australian Department of Defence's LAND 159 program and provider of SIG weapon systems across multiple Australian and New Zealand agencies. Aquaterro provides local technology transfer, advanced manufacturing, assembly, armoury, and technical systems support. The company has world-first technology transfer agreements enabling Australian manufacturing and assembly of SIG products.
• Team WendycoreChannel Partner/ Reseller/ DistributorAquaterro is the exclusive supplier of Team Wendy products to the Australian, Papua New Guinea and New Zealand Regions. Team Wendy specialises in advanced helmet systems and protective equipment for military, law enforcement and civilian use. Aquaterro refurbishes Team Wendy EXFIL helmets for ADF under the Tiered Combat Helmet Program.
• TYR TacticalcoreChannel Partner/ Reseller/ DistributorAquaterro is the exclusive distributor for TYR Tactical products in Australia & the Southeast Asia region. TYR Tactical are specialists in tactical gear manufacturing with products including ballistic vests, plate carriers, tactical backpacks, pouches and bags.
• WilcoxcoreChannel Partner/ Reseller/ DistributorAquaterro is a representative and exclusive distributor for Wilcox product in Australia, the Pacific Rim and Southeast Asia regions. Wilcox produces night vision goggle mounting systems, combat systems, fire control systems, laser aiming devices, fusion systems, weapon solutions and life support systems.
• Safariland Group (including Safariland Armor)coreChannel Partner/ Reseller/ DistributorAquaterro is the exclusive Australian distributor for The Safariland Group. Safariland specialises in manufacturing and design of tactical gear and protective equipment including holsters, body armour, personal protective equipment, and law enforcement gear. Also distributes Safariland Armor with over 2,000 documented lives saved.
• Oakley SI (Standard Issue)coreChannel Partner/ Reseller/ DistributorAquaterro is the exclusive distributor of Oakley SI, a division dedicated to providing high-performance eyewear and gear specifically designed for law enforcement, military, and tactical professionals in Australia.
• Unity TacticalcoreChannel Partner/ Reseller/ DistributorAquaterro is the exclusive distributor of Unity Tactical products in the Australia, Oceania and Southeast Asia regions. Unity Tactical designs and manufactures advanced tactical equipment, weapon accessories, weapon lights, laser systems, and modular mounting systems.
• S&S PrecisioncoreChannel Partner/ Reseller/ DistributorAquaterro is the exclusive distributor of S&S Precision products in Australia and the South East Asia region. S&S Precision designs and manufactures tactical gear and accessories including modular tactical gear systems, weapon accessories, tactical pouches and carriers, holsters and illumination products.
• Modlite SystemscoreChannel Partner/ Reseller/ DistributorAquaterro exclusively distributes Modlite Systems products in the Australia and Southeast Asia regions. Modlite produces high-quality tactical lighting solutions including rifle mounted lights, pistol mounted lights, handheld lights, light heads, and accessories.
• Master of Gloves (MoG)coreChannel Partner/ Reseller/ DistributorAquaterro is the exclusive distributor of Master of Gloves around Australia and the Southeast Asia region. MoG produces tactical gloves, cut resistant gloves, needle resistant gloves, flame resistant gloves, roping gloves, anti-riot gloves, and rescue gloves for military, law enforcement, and security personnel.
• TrijiconcoreChannel Partner/ Reseller/ DistributorAquaterro represents and distributes Trijicon products in the Australia and Southeast Asia regions. Trijicon develops and manufactures advanced optical sights, scopes, reflex sights (including RMR), and night sights for firearms.
• StreamlightcoreChannel Partner/ Reseller/ DistributorAquaterro represents and distributes Streamlight in the Australia and Southeast Asia regions. Streamlight specialises in portable lighting solutions including tactical lights, headlamps, handheld flashlights, work lights, weapon mounted lights, and emergency scene lights.
• ESS (Eye Safety Systems)coreChannel Partner/ Reseller/ DistributorAquaterro is the exclusive distributor for ESS, incorporated into Oakley Inc. ESS manufactures high-performance eye protection products including tactical eyewear, safety eyewear, and accessories for military, law enforcement, industrial and recreational users.
• PepperBallcoreChannel Partner/ Reseller/ DistributorAquaterro has been an exclusive distributor of PepperBall across Australia and New Zealand for nearly 10 years. PepperBall is the world's leading non-lethal compliance and force-option system serving over 10,000 law-enforcement, military, corrections, and security agencies globally.
• Avon ProtectioncoreChannel Partner/ Reseller/ DistributorAvon Protection is a key partner supplying advanced combat helmets including the RIFLETECH Helmet and IHPS-Gen2 Helmet. Aquaterro showcased the Team Wendy/Avon Protection RIFLETECH Helmet at Land Forces 2024 for the first time in Australia.
• Princeton TeccoreChannel Partner/ Reseller/ DistributorAquaterro is an Australian distributor for Princeton Tec products. Princeton Tec has developed and manufactured lighting products in the USA since 1975 for professionals including military, law enforcement, and everyday heroes.
• Pixels On TargetcoreChannel Partner/ Reseller/ DistributorAquaterro is the exclusive distributor of Pixels On Target in Australia. Pixels On Target designs and manufactures advanced thermal weapon sights, fire-control systems and observation solutions including the VooDoo family of thermal optics.
• SAN TacticalcoreChannel Partner/ Reseller/ DistributorAquaterro delivers SAN Tactical breaching systems to Australian law enforcement, government agencies and defence. SAN Tactical is at the forefront of tactical breaching technology with capabilities deployed in more than 40 countries worldwide, based in Israel.
• PeacemakercoreStrategic or Co-development PartnerPeacemaker is a 100% Australian owned company that Aquaterro distributes in Australia, New Zealand and Southeast Asia. Peacemaker specialises in design and manufacturing of high-quality tactical nylon solutions including helmet covers, pouches, duty bags and duty belts. Key product lines are proudly Manufactured in Australia for ADF and Australian Police agencies.
• Tulmar Safety SystemscoreChannel Partner/ Reseller/ DistributorTulmar is a globally recognised provider of engineered survivability, flotation and protective textile solutions for military and high-risk operational environments. Partnership announced at INDOPACIFIC 2025 for tactical flotation soldier systems, rescue and safety inflatable structures.
• VidiscocoreChannel Partner/ Reseller/ DistributorVidisco is a pioneer in portable X-ray solutions in security and non-destructive testing applications. Founded in 1985, based in Israel, with thousands of systems in active use by military, security and civilian sectors in 75 nations worldwide for EOD/IED detection.
• MithiX ProcoreChannel Partner/ Reseller/ DistributorAquaterro is the exclusive Australian distributor of MithiX Pro products. MithiX Pro is a specialist manufacturer and integrator of mission-critical tools, kits and safety equipment for EOD, counter-IED and de-mining operations.
• Kinetic Breaching Technologies (KBT)coreChannel Partner/ Reseller/ DistributorAquaterro supplies KBT breaching systems to Australian Law Enforcement and Defence. KBT is a specialist engineering and manufacturing organisation focused on mission-critical breaching systems including the KBT 3-1000 powder-actuated forced-entry tool.
• Flying CrosscoreChannel Partner/ Reseller/ DistributorAquaterro is a distributor of Flying Cross, a premier uniform manufacturer serving military, federal, state and local law enforcement. Flying Cross is the leading brand trusted by the US Army for green uniforms and the US Navy for dress uniforms.
• Patrol Incident Gear (PIG)coreChannel Partner/ Reseller/ DistributorAquaterro distributes Patrol Incident Gear (PIG), a tactical glove company renowned for dexterity, durability and protection designed for military, law enforcement and outdoor enthusiasts. Products include cold weather gloves, alpha, delta gloves and utility gloves.
• Defense TechnologycoreChannel Partner/ Reseller/ DistributorAquaterro distributes Defense Technology, a leading provider of protective solutions including riot control devices, less-lethal munitions and decontamination devices. Defense Technology has worked for over 30 years to train and equip law enforcement and corrections officers.
• DannercoreChannel Partner/ Reseller/ DistributorAquaterro distributes Danner, an outdoor footwear and workwear manufacturer renowned for high-performance military, law enforcement and consumer boots. Founded in the United States in 1932, Danner produces standard issue US military boots for the Army and Air Force.
• Broad Arrow ForgecoreStrategic or Co-development PartnerBroad Arrow Forge represents the armament and EO engineering, armourer, service, and secure facilities division and skillsets of the Bulte Group. Co-located in the Aquaterro Defence Precinct, providing complete life-of-type capability from procurement through to disposal.
• Arc'teryx LEAFcoreChannel Partner/ Reseller/ DistributorAquaterro has longstanding relationships delivering Arc'teryx LEAF outerwear range to Australia. Arc'teryx LEAF is part of Aquaterro's soldier systems portfolio for defence and law enforcement.
• Crye PrecisioncoreChannel Partner/ Reseller/ DistributorAquaterro delivers Crye Precision uniforms as part of its soldier worn and carried systems range. Crye Precision is renowned for combat-proven tactical uniforms and equipment.

Scale indicators10 records

Recent moves10 records

Expansion highlights6 records

Direct peers

• Galvion: Soldier systems company producing advanced combat helmets, power and data systems, and survivability products. Comparable to Aquaterro's helmet-centric offering and prime contract posture on soldier-worn systems globally.
• Safariland Group: US-headquartered manufacturer of body armour, holsters, and tactical gear for law enforcement and military. Directly comparable to Aquaterro's body armour and tactical equipment distribution, and also a key OEM partner via Safariland Armor—creating both partnership and competitive overlap in the Australian market.
• Avon Protection: UK-listed manufacturer of advanced combat helmets, respirators, and body armour systems. Directly comparable to Aquaterro's helmet portfolio (e.g., CVC-E, RIFLETECH) and an OEM partner—competing in the same ADF and global defence procurement channels.
• Point Blank Enterprises: US manufacturer of body armour and ballistic protective systems for military, federal/state law enforcement, and corrections. Comparable as a vertically integrated body armour supplier competing for the same Australian and global police/defence customers.
• Revision Military: Soldier systems and protective equipment manufacturer specializing in ballistic eyewear, helmets, and power management for defence customers. Comparable to Aquaterro's integrated soldier systems portfolio across military and law enforcement.
• TYR Tactical: US manufacturer of tactical nylon and ballistic vest/plate carrier systems. Directly comparable to Aquaterro's body armour and load-carriage offering; also an OEM partner of Aquaterro for Australian and SE Asia distribution.
• Crye Precision: US designer/manufacturer of combat-proven uniforms, plate carriers, and load carriage. Comparable to Aquaterro's soldier systems and uniform product lines; also an OEM partner distributed by Aquaterro in Australia.
• Survival Armor: US body armour manufacturer serving US federal, state, and international law enforcement agencies. Comparable to Aquaterro's body armour design, manufacturing, and through-life support model.

Regional players

• Australian Defence Apparel: Australian uniform and operational clothing manufacturer for defence, law enforcement, and government. Comparable regional competitor supplying similar Australian federal/state customers with soldier-worn textile and uniform solutions.

Emerging players

• Cooneen Protection: UK-based specialist PPE and defence apparel manufacturer serving UK MoD, police, and allied markets. Comparable as a smaller specialised integrator/integrated supplier expanding from a national base into broader defence/law enforcement supply.

Market position

Strengths5 records

Weaknesses5 records

Competitive moat5 records

Key risks6 records

Key highlights7 records

Customer concentration

• LinkedInlinkedin.com/company/aquaterro
• Facebookfacebook.com/aquaterro

Revenue estimate

Valuation estimate

Number of profiles

Profiles2 records

Subsidiaries1 record

Funding overview

Funding rounds

Investors

Funding detail is available on the Subscription and Enterprise plan.Contact sales →

M&A

Investments

M&A and investment is available on the Subscription and Enterprise plan.Contact sales →

Frequently asked questions about Aquaterro