UK Ministry of Defence Signs £9 Billion Deal with Rolls-Royce for Submarine Nuclear Reactors
The Ministry of Defence has signed a landmark £9 billion deal with Rolls-Royce to design, manufacture, and support nuclear reactors for the UK’s submarine fleet. The eight-year contract, named Unity, is the largest ever between the two entities and aims to enhance efficiency, sustainability, and national security. Defence Secretary John Healey announced the agreement during a visit to Rolls-Royce’s nuclear reactor production facility in Derby, describing it as a “boost to British jobs, British business, and our nuclear deterrent.”
The deal is expected to create over 1,000 new jobs and safeguard 4,000 existing roles, with a focus on high-skilled employment. It will also support the construction of the Dreadnought-class submarines and contribute to the AUKUS defence alliance between the UK, US, and Australia. The government estimates that the streamlined contract will save £400 million over its duration by combining multiple agreements and incentivising efficient delivery.
Rolls-Royce Submarines President Steve Carlier emphasised the long-term benefits of the contract, stating it enables investment in skills, equipment, and facilities to protect UK interests at home and abroad. The agreement underscores the UK’s commitment to its “triple lock” nuclear deterrent, which includes maintaining a continuous at-sea presence, building four new submarines in Barrow-in-Furness, and ensuring future upgrades.
The deal has been welcomed by unions and industry leaders, with Unite general secretary Sharon Graham praising it as a win for British jobs and the economy. The government has also faced calls to increase defence spending to 2.5% of GDP, with Labour pledging to outline a path towards this target later this year. The Unity contract marks a significant step in bolstering the UK’s defence capabilities while driving economic growth.
Rolls-Royce strikes £9bn nuclear submarine deal
A deal for nuclear submarine reactors is agreed between the Ministry of Defence and Rolls-Royce.
www.bbc.com
Rolls-Royce wins £9bn UK submarine contract in 'boost to jobs and nuclear deterrent'
The Defence Secretary tells Sky News that the Unity contract award will give a shot in the arm to the economy as well as Britain's nuclear fleet.
news.sky.com
Rolls-Royce wins its biggest ever MoD deal with £9bn nuclear submarine contract
Agreement to make reactors for Royal Navy will create more than 1,000 jobs and safeguard 4,000 other roles
www.theguardian.com
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John Healey hails Rolls-Royce's £9bn nuclear submarine deal
A £9 billion deal for nuclear submarine reactors was announced this morning between the Ministry of Defence and Rolls-Royce
www.spectator.co.uk
Jobs boom as Rolls-Royce wins £9bn contract to power UK's nuclear submarines
'This investment in Britain’s defence will deliver a long-term boost to British business, jobs and national security'
www.mirror.co.uk