Rolls-Royce has signed a record-breaking £9bn contract with the UK Ministry of Defence (MoD) to design, build, and maintain nuclear reactors for the Royal Navy’s submarines. Known as the Unity contract, the eight-year agreement is the largest MoD contract in history and is set to create 1,000 high-skilled jobs.
The deal encompasses research and technology, design, manufacturing, and in-service support for the fleet, including the ongoing construction of the Dreadnought Class submarines and initial work on the SSN-AUKUS contracts.
Steve Carlier, President of Rolls-Royce Submarines, highlighted the significance of the deal:
“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. It also allows our business to collaborate closely with the Ministry of Defence to meet the evolving needs of the Royal Navy, improving reactor plant design, delivery, and in-service support during a time of global uncertainty.”
Government Commitment to Defence and Job Creation
Defence Secretary John Healey MP described the contract as a boost to both the economy and national security:
“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, equipping the submariners who keep us safe. Defence is proving to be an engine for growth, while also delivering better value for taxpayers.”
Job Creation and Regional Growth
The Unity contract will create 1,000 new roles within Rolls-Royce Submarines by the end of the contract period. While the majority of these positions will be based in Derby, additional roles will be located in recently established satellite offices in Glasgow and Cardiff.
Sir Chris Gardner KBE, CEO of the Submarine Delivery Agency, praised the partnership:
“The signing of the Unity contract is a key milestone in the Submarine Delivery Agency and Rolls-Royce partnership, building resilience, collaboration, and capability.
“It provides a critical pipeline of home-grown nuclear skills and gives Rolls-Royce the longer-term contractual security to plan and develop its workforce. This agreement signals our commitment to meeting the needs of the Defence Nuclear Enterprise and supporting the Royal Navy’s submarines now and in the future.”
The contract reflects the UK government’s commitment to bolstering national security while driving economic growth and employment in the defence sector.
Register for updates — then enhance your profile in the login area, the more 'discoverable' you are — the more your skills will be in-demand.
Click here to register.
