Babcock International Group (Babcock) has secured its first agreement under the £4 billion Maritime Partnership Programme (MPP) with Indonesia, covering the sale of two Arrowhead 140 frigate licences, to be delivered over the coming months.
A Letter of Intent (LoI) outlining Indonesia’s procurement objectives under the MPP has been signed, alongside the initial licence agreement. This follows Babcock’s original export of two Arrowhead 140 licences in 2021 and highlights the growing momentum behind the company’s global frigate export programme.
The announcement comes just weeks after the first ship of the Merah Putih frigate class completed its initial launch in Indonesia, underscoring tangible progress in the bilateral naval shipbuilding effort.
The LoI was signed on behalf of Indonesian President Prabowo Subianto and Babcock CEO David Lockwood, building on the landmark Maritime Partnership Programme announced in November 2025 between Babcock and the Indonesian Government. The programme aims to jointly develop maritime capability for Indonesia’s navy and fishing industry, while strengthening national food security.
Since the MPP’s launch, Babcock has worked closely with Indonesia’s Ministry of Defence, making significant progress in advancing defence, industrial and supply chain cooperation.
The agreement reinforces Babcock’s role in strengthening international defence partnerships while delivering economic and social benefits across the UK. It also aligns with President Prabowo Subianto’s maritime modernisation agenda, which includes major investment in Indonesian shipbuilding, revitalisation of fishing communities, enhanced maritime security, and long-term economic growth.
UK Prime Minister Keir Starmer said the agreement demonstrated strong international confidence in British industry. “Today’s next phase of our partnership with Indonesia is a powerful vote of confidence in the UK, securing hundreds of high-skilled jobs in Rosyth and strengthening our world-class shipbuilding future.”
President Prabowo Subianto described the partnership as strategically vital to Indonesia’s maritime development. “This is very important and strategic for Indonesia. It is a vital part of our maritime economic development.”
Babcock CEO David Lockwood said the programme would deliver enduring benefits for both nations. “As the lead industrial partner, we are creating a strong and enduring alliance that will support Indonesia’s maritime goals while sustaining and growing jobs in both countries. This first work order signals the pace and progress required to deliver President Prabowo Subianto’s maritime transformation and underpins the growing success of our Arrowhead 140 export design.”
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