Rolls-Royce has secured a contract worth around £9bn from the UK Ministry of Defence (MoD) for support on nuclear submarine reactors of the UK’s Royal Navy.
The eight-year contract, dubbed Unity, covers research, technology, design, manufacture, and in-service support for nuclear reactors, which will power the Royal Navy’s submarines.
Rolls-Royce and the UK MoD will work together to ensure long-term submarine fleet capability.
Unity will streamline operations, boosting efficiency for better outcomes for the UK Royal Navy.
It’s a major investment by the UK government and industry, creating thousands of skilled jobs nationwide.
Rolls-Royce designs, builds, and maintains nuclear reactors for the Royal Navy’s submarines. The latest contract will support the UK submarine fleet including the Dreadnought Class submarines and the SSN-AUKUS contracts.
This contract is the first of its kind from the UK MoD. It marks years of planning between Rolls-Royce and the MoD, potentially reshaping government-industry partnerships.
The contract also shows the UK’s commitment to continuous nuclear deterrence and Rolls-Royce’s dedication to the Royal Navy and the Defence Nuclear Enterprise.
Unity combines current and future projects into one cohesive portfolio, fostering greater collaboration between both entities and saving around £400m, BBC reported.
Rolls-Royce Submarines president Steve Carlier said: “We’re delighted to announce the Unity contract, which confirms our commitment to the Royal Navy and the Defence Nuclear Enterprise.
“This long-term contract enables us to invest in the right skills, equipment, and facilities to play our part in protecting UK interests at home and overseas.”
The Unity contract will create 1,000 new roles and safeguard 4,000 other roles at Rolls-Royce Submarines by contract end. Most of these roles will be in Derby, with satellite offices in Glasgow and Cardiff.
Additionally, the contract strengthens Rolls-Royce’s ability to meet the UK Royal Navy’s needs, supported by a skilled national workforce.
It also boosts the UK nuclear industry, nurturing talent for both defence and civil sectors, the publicly traded British aerospace and defence company said.
Furthermore, the contract offers opportunities for the UK supply chain, encouraging long-term relationships, increased capability, and British economic growth.
UK Defence Secretary John Healey said: “This investment in Britain’s defence will deliver a long-term boost to British business, jobs and national security.
“In line with our upcoming defence industrial strategy, this deal with Rolls Royce, a historic British success story, will support high-skilled UK jobs who equip the thousands of submariners that keep us all safe.”
