Advancing UK Aerospace, Defence, Security & Space Solutions Worldwide
  • Home
  • /
  • Defence
  • /
  • Serco expands MELABS contract with ADF RFFS support

Defence Security

Serco expands MELABS contract with ADF RFFS support

Serco Australia will soon expand their Middle East Logistics and Base Support Services (MELABS) base support for the Australian Defence Force (ADF) in the United Arab Emirates through the delivery of crucial Rescue and Firefighting Services (RFFS).

Image courtesy Serco

As an expansion of the Middle East Logistics and Base Support Services (MELABS), Serco will be responsible for the emergency response capability, including airfield rescue and firefighting services, structural rescue and firefighting, road accident and personnel rescue, and hazardous materials (HAZMAT) incident response at the Al Minhad Air Base (AMAB).

Advertisement
DSEI 2025

The new RFFS adds to Serco’s long term-partnership with the ADF and current presence at their Middle East logistics base, where Serco already provides 21 different service lines across base operations, hospitality and support services.

Serco Defence Managing Director Clint Thomas said this expansion further strengthened Serco’s partnership with the ADF: “We’re thrilled to be expanding our services with the ADF in the Middle East after nine years of crucial base support.

“Serco’s global reach brings best practice from around the world to enhance local operations and deliver effective solutions for our customers.”

This month marks nine years of Serco supporting the ADF in the Middle East under the MELABS contract.

Contract Manager for MELABS Shannon Fleming said he was extremely proud of our workforce and grateful for their ongoing commitment: “Earlier this year, employees were asked to volunteer to reside at the military air base for an unspecified period during the COVID-19 crisis to help sustain critical service delivery. Without hesitation, our selected personnel moved into the camp for over three months."

Advertisement
ODU RT

“That was a tangible demonstration of the commitment we have to ensure we are constantly delivering for the ADF,” Mr Fleming said.

Serco commenced support of the ADF operations in the Middle East region in 2011, initially providing 17 discrete services over seven years. In 2018, the MELABS contract was retendered and Serco was successful in the bid.

 

MoD campaign highlights impact of public interruption to military training

Defence

MoD campaign highlights impact of public interruption to military training

18 July 2025

Soldiers sprinting through a salon, abseiling into gyms and crawling through offices feature in a striking new campaign by the Ministry of Defence (MoD), turning the tables on the issue of public interruptions to military training exercises.

UAS launched munitions set to combat air and ground targets

Defence

UAS launched munitions set to combat air and ground targets

18 July 2025

For the first time, BAE Systems has launched a precision munition from a multi-rotor Uncrewed Air System (UAS) and successfully destroyed both air and ground targets during trials in the US.

UK

Defence

UK's combat air flying demonstrator revealed

17 July 2025

Industry partners, BAE Systems, Rolls-Royce and MBDA UK, together with the Ministry of Defence (MoD), have revealed the design of the UK’s flagship Combat Air Flying Demonstrator, as the aircraft reaches a major milestone, with two thirds of its structural weight now in manufacturing.

Scottish defence dividend investment launched

Defence

Scottish defence dividend investment launched

16 July 2025

Scottish Secretary and Minister for Defence Procurement & Industry have visited HMNB Clyde to launch the multidecade, multibillion-pound Clyde 2070 programme.

Advertisement
Teledyne
Captec to showcase next-gen computing at DSEI

Defence Events

Captec to showcase next-gen computing at DSEI

16 July 2025

As the defence landscape continues to evolve at pace, with technological advances reshaping mission requirements and placing increasing demands on deployed computing systems, computing specialist Captec will be showcasing next-generation computing platforms at DSEI 2025 (9th–12th September 2025, Excel London).

SkyShark takes flight

Defence Security

SkyShark takes flight

16 July 2025

MGI Engineering, a company forged in the fast-paced world of Formula 1, has officially unveiled SkyShark, a next-generation military drone platform designed to transform battlefield operations with speed, precision and UK-built sovereignty.

Advertisement
ODU RT