The programme will see Babcock lead joint development of Indonesian naval capability and more than 1,000 vessels for the country’s fishing fleets. These vessels will be built in Indonesia using British expertise, with most UK roles based at Babcock’s Rosyth shipyard and further posts in Bristol and Devonport.
In Indonesia, the initiative is set to deliver major investment in local shipbuilding, support fishing communities and strengthen maritime security. It also aligns with President Prabowo’s plans to improve food security and protect marine biodiversity through responsible production.
Prime Minister Keir Starmer said: “This deal with Indonesia is the latest example of how our strong international partnerships are delivering real benefit for people at home in jobs, opportunity and growth. And as one of our closest G20 partners, it reinforces our joint commitment to global stability and bolsters our shared national security.”
The partnership builds on existing maritime cooperation, including visits to Jakarta by the UK Carrier Strike Group and HMS Spey earlier this year. It is expected to support closer training and interoperability between both navies while strengthening shared Indo Pacific objectives.
The agreement also includes commitments to technology transfer, joint research, automation and Artificial Intelligence in future shipbuilding. Babcock aims to expand collaboration between UK and Indonesian educational institutions to support skills in precision engineering, digital design and naval systems.
Babcock chief executive David Lockwood said: “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.”
Supported by the UK’s Blue Planet Fund, the programme will ensure that future vessels are deployed with environmental, economic and social sustainability in mind. Planned work includes improved fish stock assessment, fisheries management and community led coastal resilience.
The deal follows recent UK defence export successes, including a £10 billion contract with Norway for new anti submarine warfare destroyers and an £8 billion agreement with Türkiye for the export of 20 Typhoon jets. These deals are part of a wider effort to strengthen strategic cooperation with international partners.
President Prabowo Subianto said: “Through our historic partnership, we will develop and build our vessels domestically, supported by the expertise, experience and technology from the United Kingdom. The programme marks a new phase in the Indonesia UK bilateral relationship. This collaboration will mutually drive our economies, create high quality jobs, and more importantly, advance Indonesia’s shipbuilding and defence capabilities. Crucially, it will also empower our local fishermen and coastal communities by presenting significant new economic opportunities.”
The programme forms part of the broader strategic partnership agreed by the Prime Minister and President Prabowo in November last year.
