The Ministry of Defence and Rolls-Royce have embarked on a landmark partnership with the signing of the Unity contract, a colossal £9 billion agreement. This eight-year collaboration aims to enhance the efficiency and environmental sustainability of designing, manufacturing, and supporting reactor services. The initiative is set to bolster the Royal Navy's submarine fleet, including the cutting-edge Dreadnought Class submarines. These submarines, while constructed in Britain and Australia, will integrate technology from the UK, US, and Australia as part of the Aukus defence alliance.
The Unity contract marks a significant milestone as the largest agreement ever between the Ministry of Defence and Rolls-Royce. It promises to generate over 1,000 new jobs in the UK and secure 4,000 existing roles. Rolls-Royce Submarines is responding to this demand by expanding its Raynesway site and relocating to specially constructed warehouses in Pride Park. This expansion is supported by the Nuclear Skills Academy in Derby, which will offer 200 apprenticeships annually for the next decade.
The contract not only aims to support the UK's continuous at-sea nuclear deterrent but also to streamline and consolidate previous contracts for enhanced efficiency. The anticipated improvements in delivery are expected to yield savings of £400 million, highlighting the strategic and economic benefits of this agreement. The Ministry of Defence and Rolls-Royce will collaboratively oversee all future upgrades necessary for the nuclear submarines.
"We are showing defence can be an engine for growth, while also driving better value for taxpayer money." – Steve Carlier, president of Rolls-Royce Submarines
In addition to economic growth, this contract emphasizes investment in skills, equipment, and facilities crucial for safeguarding UK interests both domestically and abroad.
"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." – Steve Carlier, president of Rolls-Royce Submarines
Defence Secretary John Healey officially announced this historic agreement during his visit to Rolls-Royce's nuclear reactor production facility in Derby. This announcement underscores the significance of the Unity contract as a pivotal development in the UK's defence strategy.