Hundreds of jobs to be created in Derby as Rolls-Royce signs £9bn sub contract

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Rolls-Royce has signed the biggest UK Ministry of Defence (MoD) contract in its history.

The contract – dubbed Unity – stretches over eight years and brings together all elements of research and technology, design, manufacture and in-service support of the nuclear reactors that power the Royal Navy’s fleet of submarines.

Unity will enable improved focus on simplification and efficiency and better outcomes for the UK Royal Navy, says Rolls-Royce, and will create thousands of highly-skilled jobs across the country – with the bulk in Derby.

Rolls-Royce designs, builds and maintains all of the nuclear reactors that power the Royal Navy’s fleet of submarines. This eight-year Unity contract is worth around £9bn and will provide full support of the in-service UK Royal Navy submarine fleet throughout the period. It also includes continued support of the build and commission of Dreadnought Class submarines and the beginning of the previously announced SSN-AUKUS contracts.

The contract is the first of its kind awarded by the UK MoD and is the culmination of years of planning between Rolls-Royce and UK MoD, potentially creating a new way of doing business between Government and industry, according to the Derby manufacturing giant.

Steve Carlier, president Rolls-Royce Submarines, 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.”

Defence Secretary, John Healey MP said: “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.”

The Unity Contract will create an additional 1,000 new roles within Rolls-Royce Submarines by the end of the contract. This will predominantly be seen in Derby, but also includes recently announced satellite offices in Glasgow and Cardiff.

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