Jacobs to Provide Through-life Support for U.K. Submarines’ Nuclear Reactors

US based Jacobs was selected to supply research and technology services to the United Kingdom's naval nuclear propulsion program, the company announced January 24.

The $132 million (£108 million) contract, which runs until 2032, covers essential through-life technical support for the reactors which power the Royal Navy's submarines, including the Rolls-Royce PWR2 reactors, and reactor development for future boats.

The U.K. 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 U.S. 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 Jacobs Vice President Andy White.

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 (£185 million), 10-year contract awarded last year.

"We're 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 U.K. Minister for Defence Procurement James Cartlidge.