Babcock has sold two more design licences to Indonesia for its Arrowhead 140 (AH140) frigate — the basis for the Royal Navy’s new Type 31 warships.
As per the firm’s press statement yesterday (Wednesday) the sale follows the announcement of the £4 billion Maritime Partnership Programme (MPP) agreed between the U.K. and Indonesian governments in November last year.
It said the licences were set to be handed over “in the next few months” after a Letter of Intent (LOI) setting out the Asian nation’s future procurement plans was signed.
The firm previously sold two AH140 licences to the country in 2021, enabling it to build two modified versions of the AH140 frigates domestically. State-owned shipbuilder PT PAL Indonesia has been building the vessels, originally dubbed the Fregat Merah Putih (Red White Frigate).
The first-in-class vessel, KRI Balaputradewa, was launched at the firm’s Surabaya shipyard last month. She is now undergoing a fitting out process and is expected to be commissioned into active service in either 2028 or 2029.
Work on the second, as-yet unnamed vessel has also started; her keel was laid down in November 2024.
Indonesia’s President Prabowo Subianto commented: “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.”
And Babcock International CEO David Lockwood commented: “As the lead industrial partner in this… [MPP] 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.”
British Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer described news of the deal as “a powerful vote of confidence in the UK, securing hundreds of high‑skilled jobs.”
The AH140 design is also being used by the Polish Navy for its three forthcoming Miecznik (Swordfish) frigates. It is reportedly also under consideration for the future frigate plans of Sweden and Denmark; decisions on both programmes are expected imminently.
- You can read more details on the Babcock website