The UK Ministry of Defence has awarded Jacobs a $132 million contract to provide research and technology support for the United Kingdom’s naval nuclear propulsion program.
Under the eight-year agreement, the company will deliver technical services for the nuclear reactors, including the Rolls-Royce PWR2s, powering the British Royal Navy’s submarine fleet to ensure their safe operation.
Jacobs said the deal also involves development support for the reactors that will run the U.K.’s future vessels, such as four new Dreadnought class ballistic missile submarines that the government is building and a new submarine type being developed under the country’s AUKUS security pact with the United States and Australia.
Jacobs Vice President Andy White said that with the new MoD contract, the organization will play an important role in supporting the U.K.’s existing submarines and developing future propulsion plants for the ministry.
Currently, Jacobs is providing nuclear safety and technical advice to the Royal Navy’s submarine fleet under a $230 million and 10-year contract secured in 2023.
In a statement, Minister for Defence Procurement James Cartlidge said the partnership with Jacobs will ensure crucial technical support for the country’s nuclear-powered submarines and generate more jobs within the United Kingdom.