HighCom Ltd

Description

HighCom Limited (ASX: HCL) is an Australian-owned, ASX-listed international defence and security company dedicated to delivering high-performance ballistic protection and advanced technology solutions to military, law enforcement, and government agencies worldwide. Operating through two wholly owned subsidiaries—HighCom Armor Solutions Inc. (HighCom Armor) and HighCom Technology Pty Ltd (HighCom Technology)—the company combines advanced manufacturing capabilities with tailored systems integration to address the complex needs of modern defence and security operations.

HighCom Armor is a leader in the research, development, testing, and manufacturing of ballistic-resistant body armour systems. Founded in 1997, the company has produced over one million armour units in the past decade alone.

Headquartered in Columbus, Ohio, HighCom Armor operates from a 63,000 square feet dedicated facility for design, production, testing, and distribution, enabling it to fulfil large-scale and time-sensitive global supply requirements. HighCom works closely with front-line operators and engineers to commercialise protective systems certified to the standards of the National Institute of Justice (NIJ), American Society for Testing and Materials (ASTM), Military Specifications (MIL-SPEC), and the UK’s Centre for Applied Science and Technology (CAST).

Its products are in active use across the United States, Europe, Latin America, the Middle East, Asia, and Australia, supporting military, law enforcement, corrections, and first responder communities. In addition, HighCom Armor serves as an Original Equipment Manufacturer (OEM) for a range of global commercial defence and tactical brands.

HighCom Technology, based in Australia, delivers advanced defence solutions with a strong focus on unmanned aerial systems (UAS), counter-UAS capabilities, and support services. The company provides and supports a suite of small drones designed for intelligence, surveillance, and reconnaissance (ISR) missions, primarily for military and law enforcement applications.

Complementing this is a growing portfolio of cutting-edge counter-drone technologies engineered to detect, track, and neutralise hostile or unauthorised UAS threats. These offerings are backed by local engineering, integration, and support services, enabling customers to maintain operational readiness in dynamic environments. HighCom Technology is also the exclusive distributor of HighCom Armor’s certified ballistic protection products throughout Australia and the broader Asia-Pacific region, supplying a comprehensive range of body armour, helmets, ballistic plates, and other protective systems to defence, police, and security clients.

The history of HighCom traces back to its origins as XTEK Limited, founded in 1978 in Canberra to provide high-tech solutions to Australia’s defence and law enforcement sectors. Early specialisations included counter-explosive device technologies, forensic security products, SUAS, and ballistic protection, establishing a strong reputation for mission-critical innovation. The company listed on the Australian Securities Exchange in 2005 under the ticker XTE, facilitating expanded research and development and international growth.

A major milestone was reached in 2019 with the acquisition of HighCom Armor Solutions Inc., which significantly extended XTEK’s global footprint and capabilities. In 2023, reflecting its evolution into a unified global entity, the company rebranded as HighCom Limited, aligning its identity with its internationally recognised armour brand.

The evolution of HighCom represents a journey of strategic transformation, global integration, and an enduring commitment to delivering world-class protection systems—designed for performance, tested for reliability, and trusted in the world’s most demanding environments.