Advancing UK Aerospace, Defence, Security & Space Solutions Worldwide
  • Home
  • /
  • Defence
  • /
  • JFD secures RAN submarine rescue contract extension

Defence

JFD secures RAN submarine rescue contract extension

JFD Australia, part of James Fisher & Sons, provider of the submarine rescue system to the Royal Australian Navy (RAN) since 2009, will continue to deliver this critical sovereign capability for a further four years after finalising an extension to its contract with the Department of Defence.


 
Image courtesy JFD

The announcement ensures total continuity of this life-saving service which is on standby and 'rescue ready' at all times to retrieve the crew of a disabled submarine anywhere in the world from JFD Australia’s national headquarters and advanced support centre at Bibra Lake, in Perth, Western Australia.

Advertisement
ODU RT

Ms Cathy Falkiner, Managing Director, JFD Australia, said: “Keeping our submariners safe has always been our number-one priority and we are very pleased to be able to continue this commitment and support to the Navy,

“Importantly, JFD is able to both operate and sustain all elements of the system which includes the piloted rescue vehicle that dives down to locate and transfer submariners from under the water to the ocean’s surface and a state-of-the-art hyperbaric equipment suite that can provide life-saving medical treatment, if needed.

“Only JFD has the capability and track record to deliver a complete submarine escape and rescue system as well as adequately operate and sustain the system to global benchmarks.”

JFD Australia’s rescue system is designed to be air-transportable which is a crucial aspect of submarine rescue in a country and region where size, geography and local conditions can be challenging.

Advertisement
Teledyne

Of the six air-transportable submarine rescue systems in the world, JFD has the contracts to supply and support four of them – Australia, India (two systems), and the NATO Submarine Rescue System (NSRS) making JFD the world’s leading provider of submarine rescue systems.

Cathy said: “Receiving this contract extension means we can really plan for the future and that starts with creating more local jobs,”

“There will be employment opportunities at JFD Australia and potentially across our supply chain companies in what is a major investment in local economies and the local defence industry.”

Advertisement
Cranfield University
Government unveils Team UK approach to defence

Defence

Government unveils Team UK approach to defence

8 July 2025

UK Government plans to deliver jobs across the country by unlocking the full economic potential of Britain's defence sector are being unveiled today.

Construction begins on SLA accommodation at RAF Cosford

Defence

Construction begins on SLA accommodation at RAF Cosford

8 July 2025

Construction has started on a new 50-bedroom Single Living Accommodation (SLA) block at RAF Cosford in Shropshire.

Homes England acquires Ripon Barracks from MoD

Defence

Homes England acquires Ripon Barracks from MoD

7 July 2025

Homes England and the Ministry of Defence (MoD) have agreed that land at Ripon Barracks, a military site scheduled for closure, will be developed into 1,300 new homes following a sale between the two public sector organisations.

Royal Navy establishes autonomous minesweeping capability

Defence

Royal Navy establishes autonomous minesweeping capability

4 July 2025

The Royal Navy has - for the first time - established an autonomous minesweeping capability, after new systems were delivered to help combat the rapidly evolving threat of naval mines.

Advertisement
Teledyne
Serco appoints Keith Williams as Chair

Aerospace Defence Security Space

Serco appoints Keith Williams as Chair

4 July 2025

Serco has appointed Keith Williams to the Board as a Non-Executive Director and Chair designate.

BAE Systems to continue developing AFRL

Defence

BAE Systems to continue developing AFRL's BATDOK

4 July 2025

The US Air Force Research Laboratory (AFRL) has selected BAE Systems to continue development and support deployment of the Battlefield Assisted Trauma Distributed Operations Kit (BATDOK) via the new Force Optimization through Rapid-prototyping, Gear Enhancements & Innovative Technology (FORGE-IT) programme.

Advertisement
Teledyne