Closed cell aluminium foam fitted AISI 304L stainless steel tube was investigated for its impact energy absorption characteristics. Quasi-static load–deflection tests were employed to establish the foam–tube interaction factor. Drop experiments were carried out using a free flight drop tower on aluminium foam fitted stainless steel tube to obtain the acceleration–time history of the hammer. Estimated deflections compared well with the experimental values. Adequate force reduction factor indicated that the foam–tube configuration is a potential energy absorber  candidate for the nuclear transportation cask.