Sentry Contributor
The British engineering firm Rolls-Royce has secured an $11 billion, 8-year contract from the United Kingdom to manufacture nuclear reactors for the country’s next generation of submarines, the Dreadnought-class, underscoring the U.K.’s commitment to maintaining a robust continuous at-sea deterrent (CASD) and highlighting its role in global strategic deterrence.
The deal, announced in January 2025, forms part of the U.K.’s long-term defense strategy. The new submarines, to be powered by Rolls-Royce’s reactors, will replace the current Vanguard-class fleet, ensuring the U.K.’s ability to project power and maintain its nuclear deterrent well into the 2050s, according to the U.K. Ministry of Defence.
“The Unity contract enables our business to work truly collaboratively with the Ministry of Defence, meeting the evolving needs of the U.K. 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 Steve Carlier, president, Rolls-Royce Submarines. “This long-term contract enables us to invest in the right skills, equipment and facilities to play our part in protecting U.K. interests at home and overseas.”
Rolls-Royce’s expertise in nuclear propulsion technology has been integral in the success of the U.K. submarine fleet. The company’s state-of-the-art reactors provide the power and endurance needed for the submarines to remain submerged and undetected for extended periods, ensuring the effectiveness of the CASD mission. The new reactors will incorporate the latest advancements in nuclear technology, enhancing the performance, safety and sustainability of the U.K. submarine fleet.
The CASD mission has been a critical component of the country’s defense strategy since April 1969. The Vanguard-class submarines, equipped with Trident II D5 ballistic missiles, have patrolled the oceans undetected, providing a credible and capable deterrent against potential adversaries.
In addition to its national deterrent capabilities, the U.K. plays a vital role in extended deterrence, providing security guarantees to its NATO Allies. The Trident II D5 missiles carried by the U.K.’s Vanguard-class submarines are the product of a longstanding security relationship between the U.K. and the United States. The partnership ensures the interoperability and effectiveness of the two nations’ deterrent forces, reinforcing the security of both countries and their Allies and Partners.
“National security is a foundation of our government’s plan for change, and this is a clear demonstration of our commitment to the U.K.’s nuclear deterrent, which is our ultimate insurance policy in a more dangerous world,” U.K. Defence Secretary John Healy said.