Advancing UK Aerospace, Defence, Security & Space Solutions Worldwide
  • Home
  • /
  • Defence
  • /
  • JFD surveys US vessels for US Navy submarine rescue

Defence

JFD surveys US vessels for US Navy submarine rescue

JFD has recently undertaken its first Vessel of Opportunity (VOO) surveys in the United States, on vessels that may be designated Submarine Rescue Motherships (MOSHIPs) operated by - or for - the US Navy.

Image courtesy US Navy

JFD was contracted to complete VOO assessments for the US Navy, including their dedicated rescue training MOSHIP, HOS Dominator and a similar vessel, USNS Black Powder, one of four sister vessels operated by the Navy. Engineers and Naval Architects from JFD conducted the surveys which evaluated the suitability of both vessels to accommodate the compatibility with another Submarine Rescue System (SRS) operating nation.

Advertisement
ODU RT

Ensuring vessels have full technical compliance for embarking international SRS equipment is critical in the event of a Distressed Submarine (DISSUB), where not having a suitable host vessel available will likely result in catastrophic delays.

Greg Cotten, Head of Operational Capability and Technical Authority, JFD said: “As a world leader in the design, build and operation of Submarine Rescue Systems, JFD is proud to have completed our first VOO surveys in the United States.

JFD’s experienced personnel, including Naval Architects, are on hand to help clients take proactive measures and ensure their vessels can host international submarine rescue systems.

Supporting the US Navy with safeguarding against any potential delays in the event of a submarine rescue operation aligns with our commitment to improve submariner safety and preserve life in the event of a submarine incident.”

JFD can provide a range of services in support of MOSHIPs and VOOs, such as Ship Survey and Suitability Assessments, as well as operating a VOO Database Service which tracks and monitors suitable VOOs that can be called upon in the time of need.

Advertisement
ODU RT

Experienced JFD personnel will be taking their vast knowledge of submarine rescue to the Combined Naval Event (CNE), which will be held from 24th - 26th May this year at the Farnborough Exhibition Centre in the UK. JFD are the SMERAS (Submarine Escape, Rescue, Abandonment and Survival) Partner and delivering a presentation on Wednesday 25th May at 9.30am: ‘Capability and requirements of Rescue MOSHIPs and VOOs to host Submarine Rescue Systems in the time of need.’

JFD will also be hosting an exclusive roundtable briefing discussing the opportunities of accommodating a Submarine Rescue System onto a vessel, as well as the challenges faced.
 

 

Advertisement
Hexagon leaderboard
Apache support drones get £10m boost

Defence

Apache support drones get £10m boost

18 May 2026

Fully autonomous drones which will accompany the British Army’s Apache helicopters are receiving a £10 million investment as Project NYX reaches a new milestone.

RAF Typhoons deploying APKWS in Middle East

Defence

RAF Typhoons deploying APKWS in Middle East

18 May 2026

A new Advanced Precision Kill Weapon System (APKWS) is being be fitted to RAF Typhoons on operations in the Middle East, providing a low-cost anti-drone weapon to precisely destroy targets for a fraction of the price of missiles currently used.

BAE Systems delivers US Space Force missile warning sensor system

Defence Space

BAE Systems delivers US Space Force missile warning sensor system

18 May 2026

BAE Systems has delivered the sensor subassembly and sensor system controller components for the Next Generation Overhead Persistent Infrared Polar (NGP) programme, providing advanced missile warning, technical intelligence and battlespace characterisation mission capabilities, for the US Space Force.

QinetiQ supports Typhoon counter drone missile integration

Defence

QinetiQ supports Typhoon counter drone missile integration

17 May 2026

QinetiQ has supported the RAF in rapidly integrating and testing laser guided, low-cost missiles to RAF Typhoons, which are now being used in the Middle East to defend against drone attacks.

Advertisement
ODU RT
Dstl backed robotics advance transforms military manufacturing

Defence

Dstl backed robotics advance transforms military manufacturing

15 May 2026

Rivelin Robotics, supported by Defence Science and Technology Laboratory (Dstl) expertise, has created microfactory technology that automates the slow, risky manual finishing of 3D printed parts.

Defence firms incentivised to deliver on time

Defence

Defence firms incentivised to deliver on time

15 May 2026

The UK Government is cracking down on waste and delays as defence companies are to be incentivised to deliver equipment on time and on budget with new reforms to Single Source Contract Regulations.

Advertisement
ODU RT
Advertisement
FIA2026 animated banner