An artist impression of a future AUKUS attack submarineRolls-Royce has signed a memorandum of understanding with the State of Victoria, Australia, marking a significant step in the development of the country’s defence industry capabilities in support of the AUKUS submarine programme. The agreement outlines a commitment to collaborate on enhancing Victoria’s defence skills base, supply chain resilience, and innovation ecosystem, with a particular focus on nuclear expertise.
Plans are underway to explore the establishment of Rolls-Royce-affiliated skills and training academies in Victoria, building on the success of the Nuclear Skills Academy launched in the UK, in 2022. The facility in Derby has seen up to 200 apprentices enrolled annually, creating a steady pipeline of nuclear talent to support the Royal Navy.
Steve Carlier, president of Rolls-Royce Submarines, said: “This collaboration agreement will bring together the world-leading research and innovation capabilities of Victoria with our own established nuclear expertise to support Australia in its mission to introduce nuclear-powered submarines to their fleet. Nuclear submarines bring unsurpassed endurance, range, stealth, power and reliability that still provide the absolute pinnacle of military advantage. This agreement allows us to support Australia in establishing a sustainable supply chain in-country, while developing home-grown nuclear talent and well-paid careers for Australian people.”
The agreement also includes plans to launch specific research and development (R&D) initiatives, such as the establishment of Rolls-Royce University Technology Centres and affiliated research clusters in partnership with Victorian universities. Victoria, which hosts eight world-class universities, is recognised as a national leader in research and innovation.
Pictured right: Colin Brooks, Victoria’s Minister for Industry and Advanced Manufacturing, meets Rolls-Royce Submarines apprentices at the Nuclear Skills Academy in DerbyColin Brooks, Minister for Industry and Advanced Manufacturing, Victoria, said: “Our defence sector contributes billions to our economy every year and supports more than 29,000 jobs — this agreement will help ensure we continue to have a skilled pipeline of workers in this critical sector.”
The collaboration will also facilitate opportunities for Victorian small and medium-size enterprises to engage with Rolls-Royce, strengthening the state’s defence supply chain and broader industrial capabilities. This aligns with Victoria’s Economic Growth Statement released in December 2024, which supports the expansion of its defence-oriented supply chain through increased investment, trade facilitation, workforce development, and innovation adoption.
Rolls-Royce has powered the UK Royal Navy’s nuclear submarines for over 65 years and is currently expanding its Derby site to support both UK and Australian defence programmes. It remains the only private company globally with the capability to manage reactor design, manufacture, and decommissioning within a single entity.
In March 2023, it was confirmed that Rolls-Royce Submarines would supply all nuclear reactor plants for the new attack submarines under the AUKUS agreement between Australia, the UK, and the USA. The company currently employs more than 5,000 people and supports the Astute and Dreadnought submarine build programmes through the delivery of reactor plant and associated components.
It also provides frontline support for reactor plant equipment from its Operations Centre in Derby, and offers technical support at shipyards and naval bases around the UK, including Barrow-in-Furness, Devonport, and Faslane, with additional offices in Glasgow and Cardiff, and a unique test facility in Thurso, Scotland.