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
Leonardo animated rectangle

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.

 

Advertisement
Babcock LB Babcock LB
BAE Systems secures programmable ammunition orders from Sweden and Finland

Defence

BAE Systems secures programmable ammunition orders from Sweden and Finland

23 December 2025

BAE Systems has signed two contracts worth approximately $171 million for its Bofors 40mm and 57mm 3P (Pre-fragmented, Programmable, Proximity- fused) advanced ammunition, in a combined procurement from both the Swedish Defence Materiel Administration (FMV) and the Finnish Defence Forces Logistics Command (FDF LOG COM).

Boeing Defence UK awarded Gladiator contract

Defence

Boeing Defence UK awarded Gladiator contract

22 December 2025

Boeing Defence UK has been awarded a two-year and three-month contract extension, with option to extend by a further three months, worth £16.9 million to continue supporting the Gladiator synthetic training environment.

Saab opens UK site to support British Army training

Defence

Saab opens UK site to support British Army training

19 December 2025

Saab UK has opened a new site in South West England dedicated to its Training & Simulation business unit. This expansion strengthens Saab’s ability to deliver advanced training solutions to the British Army.

Patria and Germany sign two contracts within CAVS programme

Defence

Patria and Germany sign two contracts within CAVS programme

19 December 2025

Patria and Germany have concluded two procurement contracts within the Common Armoured Vehicle System (CAVS) programme.

Advertisement
ODU RT
Top Australian and UK universities sign AUKUS innovation pact

Defence

Top Australian and UK universities sign AUKUS innovation pact

18 December 2025

Eight Australian and UK universities have become the founding members of a new Advanced Skills Alliance, to fast-track the skills and research needed to build security, defence and resilience capabilities.

Dstl leads on NATO emerging disruptive tech competition

Defence

Dstl leads on NATO emerging disruptive tech competition

18 December 2025

The Defence Science and Technology Laboratory (Dstl) is leading a NATO research project called ‘Youth Perspective on Emerging and Disruptive Technologies’.

Advertisement
Leonardo animated rectangle
Advertisement
Babcock LB Babcock LB