DSEI UK 2025: JFD Global launches Stealth Multi-Role rebreather

JFD Global, a specialist in marine and defence solutions, announced the launch of its new Stealth Multi-Role rebreather during the DSEI UK 2025 exhibition, which was held from the 9-12 September, in London. The system is designed to provide greater flexibility and endurance for military diving operations, the company states in a September 10 press release. 

The Stealth Multi-Role rebreather is presented as the next evolution of JFD’s existing Stealth system. Its design aims to meet the demands of modern mission profiles, which often require divers to adapt between different tasks and depths, such as long-distance swims in special operations or complex tasks at greater depths. 

Key features of the new rebreather include an extended mission endurance of up to 12 hours and an operational depth of 120 metres, placing it among the deepest defence rebreathers available, according to JFD Global. The company states the product is the result of three years of development and builds on 40 years of expertise in the field. 

This endurance is possible because a rebreather works by circulating the air that the diver breathes out. It is taken and passed through a compound called a “scrubber” that removes the carbon dioxide. A small oxygen tank then replenishes the used oxygen and passes it back to the diver to breathe. Because the gas breathed out by the diver is captured and recycled, rather than expelled, it produces few if any bubbles, which help reduce the diver’s signature. A standard dive tank will provide around 60 minutes of dive time, depending on a lot of factors, so the Stealth Multi-Role rebreather provides a significant advantage for military divers over regular tanks. 

The previous system, Stealth rebreather, provides 3-5 hours of dive time with its standard tanks, and 6-8 hours with extended tanks. That system was also built to be compliant with MIL-DTL-19595D and AEODP-7, which are the US DoD and NATO standards for magnetic signatures, as well as AMP-15, NATO’s low acoustic signature standard. It is reasonable to assume that the build standards of the original Stealth rebreather have continued into the Stealth Multi-Role rebreather.

The system is designed to be compact, ergonomic, and configurable to fit a wide range of diver physiques, which the company claims ensures consistent comfort and performance for a diverse global operator base.

In a statement, Peter Laughton, Head of Military Diving at James Fisher, said, “Today’s operational environment is rapidly evolving and military divers need a rebreather that is as adaptable as the missions they face – from covert special forces operations to mine clearance in contested waters. Stealth Multi-Role delivers that flexibility with optimum safety and performance. Built on four decades of frontline experience, it delivers a next generation capability designed to meet the harsh realities of military diving today and into the future.”

Tech profile: Stealth rebreather 

The Stealth Multi-Role rebreather from JFD Global builds upon the company’s previous line of Stealth rebreathers, offering greater endurance and operational depth. Credit: JFD Global.

JFD Global did not provide full technical details for the Stealth Multi-Role rebreather, however, the previous generation could be indicative of what it can do. The original Stealth rebreather is an electronically controlled closed circuit mixed-gas underwater Life Support System (LSS) designed for Mine Counter Measure/Explosive Ordnance Disposal (MCM/EOD) and Special Operations Forces (SOF) requiring extended duration operations. It is a dual-purpose system that meets the demands of both combat diving and engineering roles by providing a constant oxygen partial pressure (PO2​) with an advanced sensor logic system for diver safety.

• • Weight and Dimensions: The system weighs 19 kg with dimensions of 587mm (height) x 375mm (width) x 170mm (depth).
  • Operational Depths: It can operate at 100 msw using Heliox or Trimix diluent gases and 40 msw using Air, Heliox, or Trimix. Msw stands for metres of seawater, it is a unit of measurement for depth that relates to the pressure exerted by the weight of a column of water
  • Dive Duration: The system offers a 3-5 hour maximum dive time with a standard canister and a 6-8 hour maximum dive time with an extended duration canister.
  • Gas Management: It uses a fully closed-circuit mixed-gas system with an electronically controlled constant oxygen partial pressure (PO2​) and features three independent oxygen sensors with a “bad sensor” removal logic.
  • Cylinders: It is equipped with composite 300 bar cylinders that are non-magnetic and rated to Class A standards.
  • Environmental: It can operate at sea temperatures from -2°C to +38°C and in fresh water from +1°C to +38°C. 

Calibre comment

Amongst a range of uncrewed developments in the underwater battlespace, the announcement from JFD Global is a reminder that military divers remain important to a lot of operations. Their role may be diminishing in the realm of mine counter-measures compared to earlier generations, as some forces are placing a much greater emphasis on uncrewed systems for that purpose. But even there, diving remains an important element. And of course, stealth insertions by special forces are also key, and will continue being so. 

By Sam Cranny-Evans, published on September 15, 2025. Credit for the lead image is JFD Global and shows the Stealth Multi-Role rebreather.