As Rolls-Royce Submarines (RRS) continued its decades-long mission to support and modernize the UK Royal Navy’s nuclear submarine fleet, they needed a partner who could cut through complexity, align national security priorities, and drive industrial innovation — all while navigating one of the most significant defence agreements in UK history. Our team stood at the helm to ensure smooth sailing .
The £9 billion (USD$11 billion) Unity agreement, the largest defence contract ever signed by the UK Ministry of Defence (MoD), is a blueprint for long-term security, economic growth, and global alliances. Our Defence and Nuclear team, led by partners Adrian Walker and Malcolm Parry, worked closely with RRS and the MoD to structure, negotiate, and execute this landmark deal — one that will define the future of UK defence for generations to come.
A contract built for impact.
More than just an agreement, Unity consolidates eight contracts into a single, strategic framework which:
- Secures £400 million in taxpayer savings
- Ensures long-term investment in the UK’s defence supply chain
- Supports over 5,000 highly skilled roles
- Creates over 1,000 new jobs across Derby, Glasgow, and Cardiff
- Strengthens workforce development with over 200 apprentices trained annually at the Rolls-Royce Nuclear Skills Academy
“Unity ensures the UK remains a leader in defence innovation, economic growth, and strategic security for generations,” Adrian said. “Working collaboratively with Rolls-Royce and MoD, we’ve created a model that ensures efficiency, long-term stability, and critical skills development.”
Powering the future of UK defence.
As geopolitical threats shift, the UK’s nuclear deterrent remains a cornerstone of national (and global) security. Unity cements the country’s role within the AUKUS alliance, alongside the United States and Australia, advancing the development of next-generation nuclear-powered submarines.
In Parliament, Maria Eagle, UK Minister for Defence Procurement and Industry, underscored the agreement’s impact. “[Unity] underpins the Government’s triple-lock guarantee to our continuous at-sea nuclear deterrent and our important AUKUS defence and security partnership," she said. “It will ensure that our committed submariners, who, alongside their families, sacrifice so much to keep us all safe, can continue to protect us around the clock, every minute of every day.”
But at its core, Unity is more than just a defence contract – it’s also a catalyst for industrial growth. By reinforcing the defence supply chain, investing in cutting-edge nuclear technology, and future-proofing workforce development, this agreement keeps UK industry at the forefront of global security, economic resilience, and technological advancement.
“We worked to ensure this contract doesn’t just meet today’s demands but actively strengthens the UK’s position in the global defence landscape,” Malcolm said. “The investment in skills, technology, and collaboration will resonate across industries for years to come, and we are proud to have made this historic agreement come to life.”
Image courtesy of Rolls-Royce Submarines
