Rolls-Royce has signed its largest ever deal with the UK Ministry of Defence. The eight-year, £9 billion Unity contract will focus on the research, design, manufacture and support of the nuclear reactors that power the Royal Navy’s fleet of submarines.
The Unity contract between Rolls-Royce and the UK Ministry of Defence
Unity integrates diverse components into a single portfolio, enabling Rolls-Royce and the Ministry of Defence to streamline processes and increase operational efficiency. This contract also supports the construction of the previously announced Dreadnought-class submarines and SSN-AUKUS arrangements, demonstrating the UK’s commitment to its nuclear deterrent at sea.
Defence Secretary John Healey said the partnership would strengthen national security while boosting economic growth by creating highly skilled jobs in cities such as Derby, Glasgow and Cardiff.
Economic and social impact
In the statement, the company said the contract will create 1,000 new direct jobs at Rolls-Royce Submarines and protect more than 4,000 existing UK jobs . It will also offer significant supply chain opportunities, benefiting domestic businesses and improving the competitiveness of the UK nuclear industry.
Steve Carlier, President of Rolls-Royce Submarines, said:
The Unity contract allows our company to work in collaboration with the Ministry of Defence, meeting the evolving needs of the UK Royal Navy, further improving reactor plant design, delivery and in-service support, ensuring the continued security of our nation at a time of global uncertainty.
Unity also marks a new model for collaboration between industry and government. Designed to foster a closer working relationship, it encourages improvements in the design, delivery and maintenance of nuclear reactors. According to Sir Chris Gardner, chief executive of the Submarine Delivery Agency, this partnership “builds resilience, collaboration and capability.”
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Source: Rolls-Royce
Photo: shutterstock
