The defense ministers from Britain and Australia recently visited Rolls-Royce’s defense business in Derby to review the progress of the AUKUS submarines program. In a statement, UK Defence Secretary Grant Shapps emphasized the importance of collaboration across British industry and commended the work being done at Rolls-Royce in Derby as an example of successful collaboration with allies.
Earlier this year, Rolls-Royce’s Raynesway site in Derby was announced to provide the power for a new fleet of nuclear submarines for the UK and Australia under the AUKUS agreement. Contracts worth a total of £4 billion, for Rolls-Royce to supply nuclear reactors for the submarines known as SSN-AUKUS, have been signed recently. The ministers witnessed the first nuclear propulsion plant components being fabricated for the SSN-AUKUS program during their visit.
The visit also included a meeting with the first group of Australian nationals who are training within UK industry to understand the construction of the next generation of conventionally-armed nuclear-powered submarines. Australian Deputy Prime Minister and Defence Minister, Richard Marles, highlighted the importance of these industry placements in learning from experienced partners in the UK and better understanding the scope of the work.
As part of the AUKUS program, Rolls-Royce will be the supplier of all the nuclear propulsion plants for the UK and Australian submarines. To accommodate this work, Rolls-Royce is aiming to double the size of its Raynesway site and create 1,200 new jobs. Mr. Shapps also expressed his admiration for the personnel working on the ground to deliver the most advanced submarines for the navies of both countries and how it demonstrates the world-class trademark of British industry.
