JFD recently completed the Northern Crown NATO Submarine Rescue System (NSRS) exercise, which involved mobilization of the submarine rescue system to the Swedish Navy vessel, HSwMS Belos, in September and October 2021. Recognized as a global leader in the design, build, and operation of submarine rescue systems, JFD has been supporting the NSRS contract since 2015. In close collaboration with the United Kingdom, France, and Norway, the NSRS provides assistance to other nations with their naval vessels and submarines.

The exercise spanned over two years as part of the Memorandum of Understanding between the NSRS Participating Nations and the Swedish Navy. The Submarine Rescue System and supporting equipment were transported to Karlskrona in Sweden, and subsequently embarked and commissioned onto the Swedish Rescue Mothership (MOSHIP), HSwMS Belos. HSwMS Belos, equipped with the Transfer Under Pressure System (TUPS) and Launch and Recovery System (LARS), enabled effective deployment and connection to the NSRS Submarine Rescue Vehicle (SRV).

Gary Landhoffer, Head of Defence Services at JFD, said: “The relationship between the Swedish Navy and the NSRS Participating Nations continues to remain strong and is essential for providing submarine rescue support and contingency. The co-operation ensured the rapid deployment of the NSRS SRV to Swedish waters over the past two years, making it a highly successful operation once again. HSwMS Belos serves as an excellent example of a capable submarine rescue mothership.”

Submarine rescue exercises are essential to ensure equipment and personnel can respond quickly and effectively in the event of a submarine rescue incident, where every second matters and lives are at risk. JFD is proud to work with the NSRS Authority to deliver the NSRS and collaborate with the Swedish Navy.

These exercises are essential to ensure readiness and personnel capability can respond rapidly in case of a submarine rescue incident, which is a time-sensitive operation where quick and effective response can save lives. JFD is committed to working closely with the NSRS Authority to deliver the NSRS and collaborate with the Swedish Navy.

Submarine rescue exercises are essential to ensure equipment and personnel can respond quickly and effectively in the event of a submarine rescue incident, where every second matters and lives are at risk. JFD is proud to work with the NSRS Authority to deliver the NSRS and collaborate with the Swedish Navy.

JFD is an established provider of submarine rescue systems, supporting 80 countries and 33 navies worldwide. JFD’s submarine rescue systems maintain a high readiness (98%+) for global navies. Since its establishment in 2014, JFD has worked closely with the Swedish Navy and the NSRS Participating Nations, particularly with James Fisher Defence and Divex. JFD was contracted in 2014 to develop the NATO TUPS Interface on HSwMS Belos, allowing the NSRS SRV to interface directly with the hyperbaric system on the vessel.

The final activity of the exercise involved the airlift of the SRV and its supporting equipment from Sweden back to Prestwick in the UK, utilizing a Boeing C-17 Globemaster provided by the UK Royal Air Force.

JFD is committed to delivering excellence in submarine rescue readiness and performance, working closely with its partners to ensure the safety and security of submariners in times of crisis. Submarine rescue exercises such as the Northern Crown exercise are a testament to the dedication and teamwork required to safeguard the lives of those serving beneath the waves.