Indian Navy orders submarine rescue systems

BARROW-IN-FURNESS, England, March 29 (UPI) -- The Indian Navy has given Britain-headquartered James Fisher Defense a $252.3 million contract to provide and support a submarine rescue capability.

The contract includes the design, build and supply of two complete submarine rescue systems, as well as a 25-year annual maintenance contract.

The rescue systems will be fly-away units and include deep search-and-rescue vehicles, launch and recovery systems equipment, transfer-under pressure systems, and logistics and support equipment.

The service support will be managed in-country by a team of experienced JFD engineers, and over the life of the contract the JFD team will train local teams of engineers to maintain the systems.

"It is essential to the safety of submariners across the world that submarine rescue services are not just fit-for-purpose, but world class in capability, upholding the highest standards in safety and quality," said Giovanni Corbetta, managing director of JFD. "The decision to entrust JFD with the supply of two submarine rescue systems is testament to the breadth and depth of our engineering expertise, and the diligence with which our submarine escape and rescue teams deliver these services."