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Rolls-Royce Submarines & Siemens Forge Partnership to Boost Tech and Engineering

  • MM24 Multimedia Desk
  • Oct 11
  • 2 min read

Updated: Oct 16


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(l-r) Brian Holliday, Managing Director, Digital Industries at Siemens UK and Ireland; Adam Raine, IT & Digital Director, Rolls-Royce Submarines; and Lee Warren, Engineering & Technology Director, Rolls-Royce Submarines. Credit: Rolls Royas


Rolls-Royce Submarines has entered into a memorandum of understanding (MOU) with global technology leader Siemens, marking a significant step in advancing digital optimisation across engineering and manufacturing processes. Signed at the Defence & Security Equipment International (DSEI) event in London this September, the agreement aims to accelerate the development of new Rolls-Royce technologies while reducing costs and mitigating risks within an increasingly complex operational environment.


Shared Expertise to Minimise Time to Production


The MOU encourages close collaboration between the two organisations, promoting the sharing of knowledge, expertise, and best practices. The primary goal is to reduce the time required to bring new technologies into production, ensuring that Rolls-Royce can deliver innovations faster, more efficiently, and with greater reliability.


Supporting the Royal Navy’s Submarine Fleet 


With a workforce of over 5,000 employees, Rolls-Royce Submarines designs, manufactures, and provides in-service support for the pressurised water reactors that power every submarine in the Royal Navy fleet. By leveraging digital tools and Siemens’ technology, the company aims to further strengthen its engineering and operational capabilities, ensuring optimal performance and readiness of the fleet.




Siemens Xcelerator Platform: Driving Digital Transformation 


Siemens contributes its proven software and hardware solutions through the Siemens Xcelerator open business innovation platform. This platform enables organisations to transform processes, accelerate innovation, enhance productivity, and improve overall efficiency. By integrating these tools, Rolls-Royce Submarines can better manage complex engineering tasks and streamline operations across the lifecycle of its products.



Building a More Agile, Knowledgeable Operation 


This collaboration is set to enhance skills and expertise across multiple areas, including engineering, manufacturing, research & development, training, and reactor operation and maintenance. The use of digital technology will serve as a critical enabler, fostering a more informed, productive, and agile workforce capable of meeting the UK’s sovereign defence requirements.



Leadership Perspective 


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 faster and accelerating the maintenance of those already in service."



A Step Forward in Defence Innovation 


The partnership with Siemens represents a strategic move for Rolls-Royce Submarines, reinforcing its commitment to digital innovation, operational excellence, and delivering critical capabilities for the UK’s defence sector. By embracing advanced digital technologies, the company is well-positioned to meet future challenges while supporting the Royal Navy’s operational readiness.

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