Jacobs awarded UK Ministry of Defence research and technology contract
27/03/2024
Jacobs has been selected to supply research and technology services to the UK’s naval nuclear propulsion programme.
The $132 million (approximately £104 million) contract, which runs until 2032, covers essential through-life technical support for the reactors powering the Royal Navy’s submarines, including the Rolls-Royce PWR2 reactors, and reactor development for future boats.
The UK is currently building four new Dreadnought Class ballistic missile submarines and is developing a new type of submarine as part of the AUKUS security agreement with the USA and Australia.
“With this contract, Jacobs will play a key role in supporting existing submarines and developing future propulsion plant for the Ministry of Defence,” said Andy White, Vice President of Jacobs. “Our business has supported the Royal Navy’s nuclear submarines since design work on the first boat began in 1958. At a time when the UK is committed to a long-term investment in a new generation of vessels to safeguard national security, this work is as important as it has ever been.”
Jacobs provides comprehensive laboratory and analytical resources and world-leading capability in materials science, high-integrity engineering, physics, chemistry and many other disciplines.
The company is also responsible for delivering nuclear safety and technical advice to the Royal Navy’s submarine service under a $230 million (approximately £181 million) ten-year contract awarded last year.
“We are committed to sustaining the Astute and Vanguard Class submarines and, with this contract, the crucial technical support for the reactors that power our submarines will continue to be in good hands,” said James Cartlidge, UK Minister for Defence Procurement. “This will provide another economic boost, supporting 100 more UK jobs, with Jacobs already having in excess of 11,000 people across the country.”
