A historic Bachelor deal for nuclear submarine reactor delivery between the Ministry of Defence and Rolls-Royce became the companies’ largest project to date at £9 billion. During his visit to Rolls-Royce’s Derby facility Defence Secretary John Healey declared an eight-year Unity contract designed to advance reactor development and manufacturing alongside comprehensive support measures while achieving higher sustainability goals.
Through this deal the UK will create more than 1,000 jobs while protecting the employment of 4,000 existing workers. This initiative guarantees significant contract optimization which leads to £400 million worth of savings through improved delivery operations. Through this initiative the Royal Navy sustains its present submarine fleet while moving forward with the Dreadnought Class submarine projects and Aukus defense alliance submarine manufacturing for the UK and Australia.
These power generators will operate British and Australian nuclear submarine assets as part of an international cooperative technology platform. Rolls-Royce has invested in expanding the Derby submarine division with the recent constructing of new warehouses followed by the 2022-founded Nuclear Skills Academy that will teach 200 apprentices each year through the next ten years. 
Healey highlighted how the deal would drive both national security and economic expansion through its status as an “engine for growth” which benefits domestic industry. The investment creates highly skilled employment positions which strengthen the UK’s permanent submarine nuclear deterrent capability he explained.
Rolls-Royce Submarines President Steve Carlier praised the extended agreement because it supports broader defense capabilities for the UK. The United union’s leader Sharon Graham declared the deal to be a vital development for British manufacturing alongside supporting Derby’s employee base.
Through the Unity contract the UK Government demonstrates its commitment to protecting defense capabilities along with supporting economic expansion and protecting skilled job opportunities.
