Rolls-Royce lands biggest UK defence contract in nuclear submarine deal

 Rolls-Royce Submarines Ltd, a subsidiary of aerospace and defence giant Rolls-Royce Holdings, has secured a multi-year defence contract to produce nuclear submarine reactors for the Royal Navy. This is Rolls-Royce’s largest ever deal with the UK Ministry of Defence.

The contract, named Unity, is worth about £9 billion (€10.67bn), and is expected to span more than eight years, with Rolls-Royce manufacturing, designing and offering support services for every nuclear reactor powering the Royal Navy's submarine fleet. 

This deal is expected to create more than 1,000 roles, while also protecting another 4,000 jobs and is likely to go a long way in enhancing the UK’s economic growth and national security. 

The Unity contract will help simplify the Royal Navy’s operations, while also enhancing its efficiency. The deal will also include ongoing support for the commissioning and building of the Dreadnought Class submarines. 

 Steve Carlier, the president of Rolls-Royce Submarines, said in a statement on the company’s website: “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 enables our business to work truly collaboratively 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 continuing security of our nation at a time of global uncertainty.”