The Life Guards have completed a new parade helmet for mounted service. The helmet, developed over two years, is scheduled to be used during this summer's parades. It features a classic design but includes modern safety technology, including a MIPS protection to reduce the risk of rotational injuries in case of a fall, writes the Life Guards in a post on Facebook.

The previous helmet was criticized for lacking safety after the Defense Union in 2023 highlighted incidents where helmets were deformed during falls. The Swedish Work Environment Authority later announced that the helmet had safety deficiencies, which led to the Life Guards deciding that it would no longer be used for mounted service.

– We will not conduct mounted guard parades or any other mounted service with the existing parade helmet now that this is established, and a usage ban during riding applies until further notice. We are currently working to find an alternative solution as quickly as possible with a helmet that meets safety standards and can be used in parades, commented the then-chief of the Life Guards, Colonel Stefan Nacksten, on the decision.

The work to develop a replacement began in 2024 and resulted in a helmet with a plastic outer shell and metal details. The spike can be replaced with a plume, and the helmet is approximately 15 percent larger than its predecessor to accommodate the built-in safety system.