Defence Online

MOD announce £235 Million Submarine Nuclear Propulsion deal

Maritime March 1, 2019

The Defence Secretary Gavin Williamson has announced details of £235 million contract award to support nuclear propulsion systems and revealed the name of the third Dreadnought submarine.

The multi-million-pound deal with Rolls-Royce Submarines Limited will sustain around 500 UK jobs and provide the support, advice and material required to ensure the continued safety and availability of the systems on board the current fleet of Trafalgar, Vanguard and Astute class submarines until 2022.

During the visit to Rolls-Royce’s site in Raynesway, Derbyshire, the Defence Secretary also announced that HMS Warspite will be the name of third Dreadnought submarine.

The name Warspite has been carried by eight Royal Navy vessels, with the last being the UK’s third nuclear submarine, which operated for over 20 years at the height of the Cold War.

Mr Williamson said: “This year we mark half-a-century since British nuclear-armed submarines began their continuous patrol of waters around the world. This significant milestone for the Royal Navy would not be possible without the skills and ingenuity of our industry partners who supply and maintain equipment.

“Rolls-Royce plays a critical role in supporting our submarines and I’m pleased this contract will sustain 500 highly-skilled jobs that help protect our country.”

In December 2018, the Defence Secretary announced a £400 million funding boost for the Dreadnought programme alongside a £25 million BAE Systems academy that will upskill employees working on Royal Navy submarines. The continued progress of the £31 billion Dreadnought programme ensures the protection and defence provided by the UK’s nuclear deterrent for decades to come, with the Dreadnought Class submarines to enter service in the 2030s.

Submarine Delivery Agency CEO, Ian Booth said: “This contract is vital to enable the continued safety and readiness of the Royal Navy’s nuclear submarines, and its signing demonstrates the ongoing successful partnership between the Submarine Delivery Agency and industry.

“2019 marks the 50th anniversary of the Continuous at Sea Deterrent and we look forward to continuing to work with our suppliers to support this national endeavour.”