Leidos Australia Secures Aviation Search-and-rescue Contract Extension to 2030

The Australian Maritime Safety Authority (AMSA) has extended its fixed-wing search-and-rescue (SAR) response capability with Leidos Australia by two years through December 2030. The extension aims to provide uninterrupted support for life-saving missions across one of the world’s largest SAR regions, helping people in distress in both maritime and land environments.

Over the past two years, Leidos has delivered both capability and training enhancements to elevate service delivery for AMSA, including extending the range of its specialised fleet of Challenger aircraft to operate as far as Antarctica. This milestone expands the area of operation and increases the time available for searching in the remote corners of Australia’s vast regions.

Leidos has also championed the creation and launch of nationally recognised qualifications for mission aircrew, initiating a step-change in training standards and professional recognition for this critical workforce. These qualifications formalise the skills required for aviation missions that safeguard lives and support AMSA operations. 

Further, as the sole aviation operator in Australia with a Bombardier Challenger simulator and CASA certified instructors and examiners qualified to type rate Challenger pilots, Leidos has invested in simulator upgrades to support pilot training. The most recent upgrades are designed to maximise situational awareness in the simulator and transfer those skills to real-world operations.

Leidos Airborne Solutions Vice President James Woodhams said: “This extension ensures the continuity of AMSA’s life-saving SAR operations and acknowledges the skill and dedication of our people and our shared commitment to supporting life-saving missions.” 

“We look forward to building on our 10-year track record as a trusted provider of search-and-rescue services to AMSA with reliable, world-class aviation capabilities.”