The British government has secured a major GBP 4 billion (EUR 4.56 billion) maritime deal with Indonesia, asserting that the deal will secure 1,000 jobs in the UK.
The deal was announced on 22 November 2025 by UK Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer, who called Indonesian President Prabowo Subianto from the G20 Summit in Johannesburg.
The new Maritime Partnership Programme (MPP) will be led by UK defence company Babcock International, with the majority of UK jobs expected to be secured at Babcock’s Rosyth shipyard, with further roles at the company’s Bristol site and Devonport dockyard.
As a wide-ranging deal, the MPP will see the UK and Indonesia jointly develop maritime capability for Indonesia’s navy as well as produce more than 1,000 vessels for its fishing fleets, contributing to the country’s food security. No details are currently available on exactly what kind of naval vessels could be produced for Indonesia under the deal.
A press release from 10 Downing Street stated, “The new partnership with Indonesia builds on the strong existing maritime co-operation links between both countries, including recent visits to Jakarta by the UK Carrier Strike Group over the summer and HMS Spey [a River-class offshore patrol vessel] earlier in the year. It will also pave the way for greater interoperability and joint training between both navies.
“The deal underlines the UK and Indonesia’s shared commitment to stability and prosperity in the Indo-Pacific, upholding freedom of navigation and supporting a rules-based international order,” the statement added.
Babcock chief executive David Lockwood stated of the deal, “The Maritime Partnership Programme between Indonesia and the UK is a major investment and commitment, building on the strong foundations between nations while driving economic growth for both countries.
“Babcock is proud to be leading the UK’s industrial support for this international programme, which will advance critical Indonesian naval and maritime programmes. We will also generate positive economic impact across the UK, supporting high-value jobs, while stimulating the supply chain and SME opportunities.”
