Canadian Dismounted Infantry Capability Enhancement (DICE) programme (2025)

The one-year framework contract will see delivery of approximately 2100 helmets and 4200 helmet covers, in two patterns, along with spare parts. There is an option to extend to 5 years, with delivery of up to 8400 additional helmets and accessories.

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Why couldn't the Armoured Corps get this as a crew helmet instead of that abomination bike helmet that was rolled out?

As far as uncovered ears, having suffered a fair amount of hearing loss and permanent tinnitus from my time in, I'd be much happier with a helmet designed to integrate active hearing protection than a couple more inches of ballistic coverage.

daftandbarmy said:

I get why they've got the ears uncovered, it just seems like the result is a helmet with less ballistic protection than previous versions.

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It’s a trade off, the active hearing protection is a game changer in terms of being able to communicate. We run a very similar helmet and I’ll take that trade off any day.

daftandbarmy said:

I get why they've got the ears uncovered, it just seems like the result is a helmet with less ballistic protection than previous versions.

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I think they need to bring back this abomination:

Humphrey Bogart said:

I think they need to bring back this abomination:

Canadian Army Tests New Modular Ballistic Helmet | Soldier Systems Daily

Researchers have been concentrating on filling the gaps between current armor vests and helmets and that has driven the design of this new helmet system. Th ...

soldiersystems.net

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Now in year two of a five-year framework contract, the DND has exercised an option to order an additional 8,400 helmets and 16,800 helmet covers taking the total Canadian DICE order to 10,500 helmets and 21,000 covers, to date.

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So will we place an order for 10500 rail mounts integrated into something MSA Sordin or Peltor like now? Not 5 years from now, not 10 years from now, inside the next 12 months?

I know the 163s are issued with Invisio T7 but those are limited.

Fabius said:

So will we place an order for 10500 rail mounts integrated into something MSA Sordin or Peltor like now? Not 5 years from now, not 10 years from now, inside the next 12 months?

I know the 163s are issued with Invisio T7 but those are limited.

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163s shouldn't be limited soon, the L3Harris standing offer is set to be renewed which would open the supply gates for EIS. There's also manufacturing slowdowns from COVID that are just clearing to increase supply of those radios as well.

Hopefully someone is leaning out at DLR to realize the relatively low cost and high value of helmet mounted ear pro for everyone.

PuckChaser said:

This is the same Army that didn't buy new slings when we changed to adjustable stock C7A2s, so I wouldn't hold your breath.

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Facepalm....we would overuse that emoji...

The good thing about the DICE helmets having rails is that even if the Army does not procure electronic hearing protection and the rail attachment, individuals can do so relatively cheaply themselves.

I have seen a number of personnel running hearing protection mounted on the rails but it was all privately purchased stuff.

Fabius said:

So will we place an order for 10500 rail mounts integrated into something MSA Sordin or Peltor like now? Not 5 years from now, not 10 years from now, inside the next 12 months?

I know the 163s are issued with Invisio T7 but those are limited.

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The 163s don’t come with the T7. The T7 come with ISSP, but it’s no 1 for 1, we still get some of those god awful X5s. That said at least some troops will be getting the T7s as ISSP continues its roll out.

Some good news, the contract for the next phase in DICE has been awarded. The light BNs (and attachments) will be seeing new ballistic armour layers, tactical vests, and pack systems.

dangerboy said:

Some good news, the contract for the next phase in DICE has been awarded. The light BNs (and attachments) will be seeing new ballistic armour layers, tactical vests, and pack systems.

Contract awarded for modernized equipment for the Canadian Army’s light forces

The DICE initiative aims to improve the form, fit and function of this equipment, to enable a full range of motion for soldiers performing demanding tasks.

www.canada.ca

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Do we know if the DICE system will be adopted by SOCEM and purchased for the army/caf at large? Or would SOCEM look at a different system for not light forces?

The current equipment used by CA soldiers offers excellent ballistic and blunt impact protection but requires modular capabilities for modern dismounted infantry operations.

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I feel like there's a good argument to be made that a number of trades would benefit from modular capabilities.

Some video of the vests etc. here

I would guess that SOCEM would have to have another bid competition, and that LU would bid this system for that contract.

I think the Army would use DICE as a lesson learned, and then when they write the Statement of Requirements for SOCEM, they would incorporate the feedback from the Light BNs.