The UK government has signed a contract worth about $11.5 billion (£9 billion) with Rolls-Royce to develop nuclear reactors for submarines. The project is part of an effort to maintain and modernize the British nuclear submarine fleet. The contract provides for the design, production and maintenance of nuclear installations, which, according to the authorities, will create thousands of jobs and strengthen the country's defense potential.

Although the contract is not designated as part of the Dreadnought program, it is closely linked to overall fleet renewal measures, including the replacement of Vanguard-class submarines. The Dreadnought program remains one of the most expensive and strategically significant projects for the UK.

However, experts point to the possible risks of insufficient financial transparency in the defense sector. Analysts at Transparency International point out that large defense deals often involve the risks of a hidden redistribution of budget funds, especially in conditions of limited control over military spending.

Previously, the media had repeatedly raised questions about the lack of transparency of British defense procurement. In 2022, the National Audit Office (NAO) reported overstating the cost of a number of contracts with BAE Systems, which sparked a public debate about the appropriateness of such costs.

Rolls-Royce, in turn, was already at the center of international anti-corruption investigations. In 2017, the company agreed to pay more than £670 million on bribery charges in Brazil, Indonesia and several other countries. Despite government statements about compliance with transparency standards, the lack of detailed reporting on current expenses under the new contract is causing concern among observers and non-governmental organizations.