On Thursday, Jacobs, a firm that provides technical professional services, disclosed that they had been chosen by the UK's Ministry of Defence for a research and technology contract worth $132 million (108 million pounds). This contract, which is slated to run until 2032, will require the company to provide technology and research services for the UK naval nuclear propulsion program, thereby supporting the safe operation of Royal Navy submarines.
This contract is designed to ensure vital, ongoing technical support to the reactors powering the Royal Navy's submarines. Among them are the Rolls-Royce PWR2 reactors, in addition to the reactor development for future submarines.
Under the AUKUS security agreement made with the U.S. and Australia, the U.K. has embarked on the construction of four new Dreadnought Class ballistic missile submarines and is in the process of developing a new type of submarine.
In addition to its extensive laboratory and analytical resources, Jacobs also has the responsibility of providing technical advice and ensuring nuclear safety to the the Royal Navy's submarine service. This role falls under a $230 million, 10-year contract granted to them the previous year.
James Cartlidge, the U.K. Minister for Defence Procurement, has affirmed that with this contract, the critical technical support needed for the reactors powering their submarines will continue to be handled competently. According to him, this contract will create a hundred additional jobs in the U.K., adding to the over 11,000 individuals already employed by Jacobs across the country.
