The strategic partnership aims to reduce production timelines, lower costs, and minimise risk through the use of advanced digital technologies and shared expertise. It will also support the delivery of UK sovereign defence requirements by enabling a more agile, secure and productive operation.
“This collaboration will further enhance our capabilities in the digital space and unlock key improvements in how we deliver on our commitments,” said Adam Raine, IT and Digital Director at Rolls-Royce Submarines. “We can, in essence, create a ‘digital backbone’ that supports the full lifecycle of nuclear naval reactors.”
The initiative will involve the integration of Siemens’ Xcelerator platform, which offers software and hardware tools to accelerate innovation and optimise productivity across the engineering lifecycle. Skills development in engineering, R&D, manufacturing and reactor maintenance will also be supported as part of the collaboration.
Lee Warren, Engineering & Technology Director at Rolls-Royce Submarines, said: “Harnessing the power of digital, and collaborating with global experts such as Siemens, will make us more efficient and ultimately provide an enhanced service to the Royal Navy by getting submarines in the sea quicker and accelerating the maintenance of those already in service.”
The companies intend to exchange best practices and technical knowledge to improve performance in areas such as design, operations and supply chain management. The partnership builds on a long-standing relationship between the two organisations.
“The agreement strengthens and formalises a 25-year-long Siemens and Rolls-Royce relationship,” said Brian Holliday, Managing Director, Digital Industries at Siemens UK and Ireland. “Siemens commits to deeply understanding the digital transformation and operational challenges faced by Rolls-Royce Submarines, and bringing to bear the full weight of our industry-leading technology stack, sector expertise and wider partner ecosystem.”
Nicole Sturm, Global Head of Aerospace & Defence at Siemens, added: “By sharing best practice and working together to enhance skills, Rolls-Royce Submarines and Siemens are accelerating productivity and laying the foundations for factories of the future that are underpinned by cutting-edge digital technologies.”
Rolls-Royce Submarines employs more than 5,000 people and supports the Royal Navy’s entire fleet of nuclear-powered submarines. It is currently involved in the Astute and Dreadnought build programmes and provides global frontline support from its Derby Operations Centre, with teams also based in Barrow-in-Furness, Glasgow, Cardiff and Thurso.
