The UK’s Babcock International Group has secured its first agreement under the GBP 4 billion (EUR 4.58 billion) Maritime Partnership Programme (MPP) with Indonesia, covering the sale of two Arrowhead 140 frigate licences to be delivered over the coming months, Babcock announced on 21 January 2026.
A letter of intent (LoI) outlining Indonesian procurement aims for the MPP has been signed alongside the initial agreement for the two licences, which build on Babcock’s original export of two Arrowhead 140 licences in 2021.
“The announcement underpins the growing momentum of Babcock’s frigate exports and comes just weeks after the first ship, in the Merah Putih frigate class programme, undertook its initial launch in Indonesia,” Babcock stated.
The LoI, which paves the way for further agreements, was recently signed on behalf of Indonesian President Prabowo Subianto and Babcock CEO David Lockwood and follows the landmark MPP that was announced in November 2025 between Babcock and the Indonesian government to jointly develop maritime capability for Indonesia’s navy and fishing industry.
“This new agreement recognises Babcock’s strategic part in delivering Indonesian President Prabowo Subianto’s important maritime and prosperity plans, which will see major investment in Indonesian shipbuilding to support further modernisation, revitalising fishing communities, enhancing the country’s defence and maritime security, and boosting food security,” Babcock stated.
A company press release quoted UK Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer as stating, “Today’s next phase of our partnership with Indonesia is a powerful vote of confidence in the UK, securing hundreds of high-skilled jobs right here in Rosyth and strengthening our world-class shipbuilding future.”
The Indonesian president was quoted by Babcock as stating, “I met with the CEO of Babcock. We are pleased to proceed with the maritime partnership. I think this is very important and strategic for Indonesia. This is a vital part of our maritime economic development.”
Lockwood himself was quoted as stating, “The Maritime Partnership Programme between Babcock and Indonesia is focused on advancing Indonesia’s defence and maritime capabilities, infrastructure and supply chain, while creating jobs and prosperity for local communities.
“As the lead industrial partner in this programme, we are creating a strong and enduring alliance that will not only support Indonesia’s maritime goals but will sustain and grow jobs in both countries. This first work order, within this landmark framework, signals the importance of the pace and progress needed to deliver President Prabowo Subianto’s maritime transformation and underpins the growing success of our Arrowhead 140 export design.”
