About ARWEN®
Vision
To ensure our customers have the most effective less-lethal technologies to manage risk and protect human lives.
Mission
In partnership with our customers, we strive to deliver the most effective less-lethal technologies and training, based upon the principles of continuous improvement, client support and experience.
Values
In partnership with our customers, we strive to deliver the most effective less-lethal technologies and training, based upon the principles of continuous improvement, client support and experience.
A Time Tested Standard of Excellence
Since it was first designed by Britain’s Royal Small Arms Factory in 1979 the ARWEN has set the standard for all less-lethal systems.
Established
British Government directs the Royal Small Arms Factory Enfield to design an improved crowd control system.
Prototypes
A team at RSAF Enfield led by Norman Brint produces three prototypes to be considered for further development. After initial testing the Enfield XL76E1 is chosen for further development under the name ARWEN 37 (Anti Riot Weapon Enfield 37mm)
Production
The ARWEN 37 Mk 1 officially enters large scale production.
Privatization
The British government privatizes RSAF Enfield along with all other Royal Ordnance Factories into the Royal Ordnance plc (public limited company)
New Ownership
Royal Ordnance plc sold to British Aerospace plc on April 22
ARWEN ACE
A single shot version of the ARWEN, the ARWEN ACE, enters into field trials overseen by the Infantry Trials and Development Unit at the School of Infantry in Warminster, England.
Canadian Connection
Police Ordnance Company Inc., under the ownership of Brian Kirkey, becomes the Canadian distributor for ARWEN products.
Police Ordnance Company Inc.
Police Ordnance Company Inc. purchases all trademarks and patents related to ARWEN and becomes the sole source provider for all ARWEN launchers and munitions.
Mark III
The Mark III version of ARWEN launchers enters production in Canada.
New Ownership
Police Ordnance Company Inc. is purchased by a private group of professional Operators with military and law enforcement backgrounds.
Production
Police Ordnance Inc. is purchased by KWESST Micro Systems Inc.
KWESST Micro Systems Inc. changes name to DEFSEC Technologies Inc.
The name represents our ongoing commitment to developing and delivering innovative life-saving solutions to the global market serving both military and public safety sectors.
Arwen History
The ARWEN less-lethal system was initially established by the British Crown Corporation, Royal Ordnance in 1977.
In response to the operational needs of law enforcement and military, an examination was conducted into a system that would be able to deploy multiple less-lethal rounds for riot control. The result of this devoted research and development was the ARWEN; one of the most reliable less-lethal systems on the market today.
In 2001, the ARWEN less-lethal system was acquired by Canadian based company, Police Ordnance and the success of the system continued. Once ARWEN was introduced to this new market, it was enthusiastically received becoming the premier less-lethal launcher system for use by law enforcement.
A New Legacy
DEFSEC acquired Police Ordnance in 2021 and is excited about continuing the legacy of the ARWEN less-lethal system. The corporate HQ and manufacturing is located in the Greater Ottawa Area. The current management team is focused on the expansion of all aspects of the company and ultimately enhancing service, including shortened lead times.
This renewed knowledge base will support our customers in all aspects of less-lethal and enhance instructional opportunities.
Our Commitment
Our team is committed to providing your agency the support it deserves and ensuring we hold ourselves accountable to our Vision of ensuring our clients have the most effective less-lethal technologies to manage risk and protect human lives.