Two soldiers walk through a smokey field. Source: Adobe Stock
The Market Online - At The Bell

Join our daily newsletter At The Bell to receive exclusive market insights

HighCom (ASX:HCL) – formerly known as XTEK – has announced its receipt of a contract order for ballistic products from a military customer.

The company specialises in making bulletproof helmets and vests designed to protect military and law enforcement.

The company did not name, specifically, which “military customer” the contract went to – typical for companies operating in this space.

However, products will be sent before FY25 from ‘existing inventory” and the company noted it continues to look for sales around the globe.

“This significant order, which is valued at A$4.7m and is being supplied from existing inventory [shows] customers are seeking to rapidly acquire large quantities of advanced high-end ballistic products to meet their needs,” HighCom chief Mark Stevens said.

“The order will be completed in the current financial year.”

Stevens hasn’t been in the job for long. Former chief Scott Basham abruptly quit earlier in 2024.

While the company didn’t explicitly say it – nor did Basham when he made a fairly intimate Linkedin post on the matter – a glance at the stock’s 1Y returns may shed light on why the board decided that Basham should leave.

Returns for HCL shareholders are down -64.89% YoY and HCL shares are down -57% YTD.

The thinly traded microcap has gained attention this morning, however, on the back of its $4.7M deal – the stock was up 22% on $170,790 worth of trades reflecting 1.06M shares heading into the second hour of trade.

HCL shares last at 16.5cps.

HCL by the numbers
More From The Market Online
US and VNZ flag

Week 2 CY26, wrapped: Geopolitics here to stay & there’s money in gold detectors

What does it say about the larger world when the United States government effectively kidnaps the President of Venezuela, and, while bodacious, it’s
The Market Online Video

HotCopper Highlights for Week 2 of 2026: 4D Medical, Pilbara Minerals, SILEX & more

Greetings and welcome to HotCopper Highlights for the end of Week 2 of 2026, I’m Jon Davidson.
A HotCopper-branded graphic image which reads "The HotList Top 10: This week's most watchlisted ASX stocks" in front of an ASX chart image faded in the background.

HotList stocks: Manuka, 4DX, Adalta, and other trending companies in Week 2

Manuka Resources topped the HotCopper HotList through Week 2, though health tech developers Adalta and 4DX…
Metal detector

They say you should sell shovels in a gold rush. Codan’s got a smarter idea

Codan has notched gains just south of +20% on Friday, coming out of the blue as…