Astute support

JFD has been awarded a contract worth over £20 million to provide support for the UK Ministry of Defence Astute class submarines. The four-year contract, which has a one-year extension option, commenced in June 2021.

The JFD team will be providing equipment-level in-service support which includes core and non-core tasks as well
as the provision of spares. The contract will call on JFD’s expertise in providing a high level of through-life support to ensure the capability is ready for operations.

The contract will be managed out of JFD’s capability support hub close to the HM naval base Clyde. The facility possesses all the support required to ensure a guaranteed service to the UK Royal Navy’s submarine fleet.

JFD has partnered with RB Safety Consultants (RBSC), which has an outstanding reputation in the submarine industry for providing assurance oversight covering technical, safety and risk management services.

The contract will be overseen by JFD’s newly appointed managing director, Richard Dellar who says:

‘JFD’s core business is supporting its defence customers through long-term strategic partnerships.

'Our global pedigree, together with our detailed knowledge, experience, and understanding of the equipment has allowed us to prepare a carefully considered and innovative offer which will deliver a tailored fit-for-purpose solution, driving best value to all stakeholders,’ he adds.

Richard has been working in the defence sector since joining the army at the age of 17. After leaving the military he joined Marconi to work in the space business, then switched to commercial and military aircraft and ultimately specialised in ground and cyber security.

His wide breadth of experience will help to underpin JFD’s global operational excellence programme and lead JFD into the development of new markets.