Babcock Secures Deal for Two Additional Arrowhead 140 Frigates with Indonesia

British shipbuilder Babcock has sold another two Arrowhead 140 frigate design licences to Indonesia, following an initial two that are currently in production locally for the Indonesian Navy (TNI AL). Babcock press release Babcock International Group (Babcock), the defence company, has secured its first agreement under the £4 billion Maritime Partnership Programme (MPP) with Indonesia, for the sale of two Arrowhead 140 frigate licences, to be delivered over the coming months. A Letter of Intent outlining Indonesian procurement aims for the MPP has been signed, alongside an initial agreement for the two licences, to be delivered in the next few months. These 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. The Letter of Intent, that paves the way for further agreements, was recently signed on behalf of Indonesia’s President Prabowo Subianto and CEO of Babcock, 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, fishing industry and in turn, food security. In this short period, significant progress has been made between Babcock and Indonesia’s Ministry of Defence. Babcock continues to play a key role in cementing international defence partnerships, while delivering and driving economic and social benefits to communities across the UK. 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. Prime Minister Keir Starmer, said: “No matter where I am, delivering for working people at home is always in my mind’s eye. 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.” President Prabowo Subianto, said: “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.” David Lockwood, Babcock CEO, said: “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.” Naval News comments: Two Arrowhead 140 frigates are already in production at local shipbuilder PT PAL Indonesia, as part of the Merah Putih program. On 18 December 2025, the first hull was named and launched. The vessel is the lead ship of a two-frigate programme, built by state-owned shipbuilder PT PAL Indonesia based on Babcock’s Arrowhead 140 design. Construction of KRI Balaputradewa began with steel cutting in December 2022, followed by keel laying in August 2023.