LONDON: Britain has just handed Rolls-Royce a massive $11 billion contract to design, build, and maintain nuclear reactors for its submarine fleet, ensuring round-the-clock defence at sea.
The eight-year “Unity” contract aims to streamline production, cut costs, and ramp up support for the Royal Navy’s nuclear-powered submarines. It also strengthens AUKUS, the defence partnership between the UK, US, and Australia, reinforcing military cooperation in the Indo-Pacific region.
Defence Secretary John Healey called the deal a “long-term boost” for national security and British businesses. “This investment will not only keep our submariners safe but also secure thousands of skilled UK jobs,” he said before visiting Rolls-Royce’s nuclear facility in Derby.
The contract will create 1,000 new jobs while protecting 4,000 existing roles, making it a huge win for British industry. Rolls-Royce has long been a key player in the UK’s defence sector, providing cutting-edge technology to power the country’s nuclear submarines.
At the heart of the deal is the development of Dreadnought-class submarines, which will carry the UK’s nuclear deterrent for decades to come. With at least one nuclear-armed submarine always on patrol, Britain is committed to maintaining its continuous at-sea deterrent.
The Rolls-Royce submarine deal is not just about defence—it’s a major investment in British expertise and jobs, ensuring that the UK remains a global leader in nuclear technology.
