Indonesia will proceed with the construction of two additional multirole frigates based on the Arrowhead 140 design, derived from the UK Royal Navy’s Type 31 frigates, following the signing of a new agreement under the Maritime Partnership Programme (MPP), an initiative valued at £4 billion.
The agreement includes the sale of two new Arrowhead 140 licenses, which are expected to be delivered in the coming months. This transaction builds on the initial export of two licenses completed in 2021 and further strengthens bilateral cooperation in military shipbuilding. The initiative was announced weeks after the first vessel of the Merah Putih-class frigate program conducted its initial launch in Indonesia.
In parallel, a Letter of Intent was signed outlining Indonesia’s acquisition objectives within the MPP, paving the way for future agreements. The document was signed on behalf of Indonesian President Prabowo Subianto and by Babcock CEO David Lockwood, within the framework of the strategic agreement announced in November 2025 between Babcock and the Government of Indonesia for the joint development of maritime capabilities for the Navy, the fishing industry, and food security.
According to reports, significant progress has been made during this period in cooperation between Babcock and Indonesia’s Ministry of Defence, with a focus on strengthening the local shipbuilding industry, fleet modernization, and supply chain development.
UK Prime Minister Keir Starmer stated: “Wherever I go, I always keep in mind the satisfaction of workers back home. The next phase of our collaboration with Indonesia is a strong vote of confidence in the UK, securing hundreds of highly skilled jobs here in Rosyth and strengthening our future in world-class shipbuilding.”
For his part, President Prabowo Subianto noted: “I met with Babcock’s chief executive. We are pleased to continue the maritime partnership. I consider it very important and strategic for Indonesia. It is a vital part of our maritime economic development.”
Along the same lines, Babcock CEO David Lockwood said: “The Maritime Partnership Programme between Babcock and Indonesia focuses on boosting Indonesia’s maritime and defence capabilities, infrastructure, and supply chain, while creating jobs and prosperity for local communities.”
He added: “As the lead industrial partner in this programme, we are building a strong and lasting partnership that will not only support Indonesia’s maritime ambitions but also sustain and promote employment in both countries. This first work order under this historic framework demonstrates the importance of pace and progress in delivering President Prabowo Subianto’s maritime transformation and supports the growing export success of our Arrowhead 140 design.”
Background of the Merah Putih programme
On 18 December 2025, the state-owned company PT PAL Indonesia officially launched the frigate KRI Balaputradewa-322, the first of two Arrowhead 140-class vessels being built locally for the Indonesian Navy, internally designated as the Merah Putih class.
The event included a naming ceremony led by PT PAL Indonesia President Director Kaharuddin Djenod, and the launch ceremony presided over by Indonesia’s Vice Minister of Defence, Air Marshal (Ret.) Donny Ermawan Taufanto. During the event, a laser weapon test demonstration was conducted as part of the technological capabilities showcased by the shipyard.
With an overall length of 140 metres and a displacement of 6,626 tonnes, the Arrowhead 140 frigates are designed for anti-air warfare, anti-surface, anti-submarine and electronic warfare missions, as well as naval gunfire support and air defence. These characteristics position them as among the Indonesian Navy’s main surface combatants and the largest vessels of their type built in the country to date.
You may also like The Indonesian Air Force is preparing to receive its first three Rafale F4 fighters from France
