Rolls-Royce Creating 1,000 UK Jobs With New MoD Contract

Rolls-Royce has signed a landmark £9 billion contract with the UK Ministry of Defence (MoD), marking the largest deal in the ministry's history.

The agreement is set to create 1,000 new jobs and will focus on the development, production and maintenance of nuclear reactors for the Royal Navy's submarine fleet.

The eight-year Unity contract encompasses research and technology, design, manufacturing and in-service support for the nuclear reactors that power the UK's submarines.

Rolls-Royce, a FTSE 100 company headquartered in Derby, is the sole designer, builder and maintainer of all nuclear reactors for the Royal Navy's submarines.

The contract also includes ongoing support for the construction and commissioning of the Dreadnought Class submarines, as well as the initiation of the previously announced SSN-AUKUS program, a collaborative effort between the UK, US and Australia to develop next-generation nuclear-powered submarines.

The new roles created under the Unity contract will be primarily based in Derby, with additional positions at recently announced satellite offices in Glasgow and Cardiff.

This expansion underscores Rolls-Royce's commitment to advancing the UK's defense capabilities while boosting employment opportunities across the country.

This deal represents a significant milestone for Rolls-Royce and the UK's defense sector, ensuring the continued development of cutting-edge nuclear propulsion technology for the Royal Navy's submarine fleet.

Commenting on the news, the President of Rolls-Royce Submarines, Steve Carlier, said: “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.”

“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,” said Mr Carlier.

Sir Chris Gardner, the CEO of the Submarine Delivery Agency, added: “The signing of the Unity contract is a key milestone in the SDA and Rolls-Royce partnership, building resilience, collaboration and capability."

“Bringing together existing commercial arrangements, it is a clear signal of our commitment to deliver greater effectiveness, efficiency, and agility to meet the needs of the Defence Nuclear Enterprise and support the Royal Navy’s submarines now and into the future."

“It will also enable a critical pipeline of home-grown nuclear skills and provides Rolls-Royce with the longer-term contractual security to plan and develop the existing and future workforce.”

Defence Secretary, John Healey MP, also commented, saying: "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 who equip the thousands of submariners that keep us all safe. We are showing defence can be an engine for growth, while also driving better value for taxpayer money."

“National security is a foundation of our government’s plan for change, and this is a clear demonstration of our commitment to the UK’s nuclear deterrent, which is our ultimate insurance policy in a more dangerous world.”