Resolute SESE delivers advanced escape and survival capability for the Submarine Service.
Beaufort, the global leader in submarine escape and survival technology, has surfaced as the winner of the UK Ministry of Defence’s (MOD) Submarine Escape and Survival Equipment (SESE) contract, strengthening its long-standing partnership with the Royal Navy’s Submarine Service and reaffirming its leadership in subsea survivability.
Awarded by the MOD’s Submarine Delivery Agency, part of the Defence Nuclear Enterprise, the contract covers the introduction of next-generation SESE across the entire Royal Navy submarine fleet, including upgrades to systems already in service. The award extends Beaufort’s long-term role as the Royal Navy’s trusted supplier of submarine escape and survival equipment.
The new Resolute SESE represents a significant advancement in submarine escape capability. Set against one of the most demanding technical specifications in the industry, the MOD’s requirements for SESE have raised the bar for escape performance, driving new levels of innovation across the sector. Developed through deep subject-matter expertise and close collaboration with the global submarine escape community, Resolute introduces improvements in material science, system design, and digitally enabled manufacturing that support the complete escape and recovery sequence, from escaping at depth through to the surface recovery phase.
Resolute is qualified for escape from increased depths up to 300 metres, a significant step forward from previous 200-metre systems and a major achievement in certified escape performance, exceeding the MOD requirement. Resolute also features an integrated single seat liferaft, built on liferaft technology first developed for fast-jet aircrew, it has a compact profile that reduces snag risk during escape. Once deployed, the personal liferaft provides superior in-water protection and advanced thermal insulation to support up to 72 hours of surface survival in harsh offshore conditions.
Together, these developments deliver a stronger, more resilient system designed for protection from some of the most challenging operational environments and reinforces Beaufort’s position as the partner of choice for submariner protection, trusted by global naval forces to deliver mission-critical escape capability.
“This contract win reflects the confidence placed in Beaufort’s ability to deliver critical survival capability where it matters most,” said Dominic Cartwright, Chief Executive Officer, Beaufort. “It also aligns with our broader strategy to advance next-generation protection systems across all domains, strengthening our global leadership in technologies that safeguard those operating in the world’s most demanding environments.”
Building on this strategic perspective, Steve Thorpe MBE, Sub-Sea Category Manager, Beaufort, highlighted several advancements unique to Resolute.
“One of the most important advancements in Resolute is the reduced buoyancy to assist escapees with tower escape,” said Steve Thorpe MBE. Resolute incorporates our proprietary Adaptive Fit System, maintaining seal integrity and performance across male and female submariners from the 5th to the 95th percentile. These world-leading design changes keep escapees dry and deliver upgraded thermal protection, reducing heat loss and extending survival time in extreme conditions. Combined with the compact, high-performance welded single-seat liferaft, they significantly enhance safety and endurance during surface recovery. Resolute delivers a more reliable and efficient escape suit, designed to maximise survivability from depth to surface recovery.”
Nick Mulhall, Chief Commercial Officer, Beaufort, reflected on the broader market significance: “Beaufort is the trusted partner of more than 30 navies worldwide, a position built over 40 years of continuous innovation and delivery,” said Nick Mulhall. “We are the only system provider with full in-service lifecycle data across generations of equipment, giving operators complete confidence in how these systems perform over time. The Royal Navy’s adoption of Resolute reinforces a global demand for proven, next-generation escape capability.”
Alongside SESE, Beaufort provides a full end-to-end submariner safety ecosystem, including the PALS (Personal Abandonment Lifejacket and Suit) for rapid individual evacuation and the Sublite Surface Abandonment Liferaft for group recovery. Together, these systems deliver a comprehensive, fully integrated approach to submariner protection, from depth escape to surface abandonment and rescue.
The Royal Navy’s selection of Resolute raises the bar for submariner safety worldwide. Beaufort will now look to bring this next-generation survival technology to allied nations, while continuing to innovate and advance protection and performance solutions in this critical domain, further strengthening Beaufort’s position as the trusted market leader in submariner safety and survival.