- 1000 British jobs in Rosyth, Bristol and Plymouth set to be
secured through new partnership with Indonesia
- Deal underlines the UK and Indonesia's shared commitment to
stability and prosperity in the Indo-Pacific, upholding freedom
of navigation and supporting a rules-based international order
- Follows the UK winning a £10bn contract with Norway to build
the nation's next generation anti-submarine warfare destroyers,
supporting 4000 UK jobs, and an £8bn deal with
NATO-ally Türkiye for the export of 20 Typhoon fighter
jets, securing a further 20,000 jobs.
The UK and Indonesia have agreed a landmark £4 billion maritime
deal securing 1000 jobs in the UK in the latest boost for the
British industry.
Set to be announced by Prime Minister during a call to President
Prabowo Subianto from the G20 Summit tomorrow [SATURDAY], the new
Maritime Partnership Programme (MPP) led by British defence firm
Babcock, will see the UK and Indonesia jointly develop maritime
capability for Indonesia's navy and more than 1,000 vessels for
its fishing fleets to boost seafood consumption and in turn, food
security.
The boats will be built in Indonesia using British shipbuilding
expertise, which will support 1000 jobs at home in the UK. The
majority of jobs are expected to be secured at Babcock's
Rosyth shipyard, with further roles at the company's Bristol site
and Devonport dockyard.
In Indonesia, the programme will unlock major investment in local
shipbuilding, revitalise fishing communities, enhance Indonesia's
defence and maritime security, and boost food security - one of
President Prabowo's top priorities. It will deliver on
Indonesia's ambition to grow food production responsibly while
safeguarding its unparalleled marine biodiversity.
Prime Minister 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 new partnership with Indonesia builds on the strong existing
maritime cooperation links between both countries, including
recent visits to Jakarta by the UK Carrier Strike Group over the
summer and HMS Spey earlier in the year. It will also pave the
way for greater interoperability and joint training between both
navies.
The deal underlines the UK and Indonesia's shared commitment to
stability and prosperity in the Indo-Pacific, upholding freedom
of navigation and supporting a rules-based international order.
It will bring benefits to future generations in both countries,
with the partnership driving technology transfer and joint
research into next generation shipbuilding practices, including
through automation and Artificial Intelligence.
Babcock will also look boost collaboration between UK and
Indonesian educational institutions to share skills in precision
engineering, digital ship design, and integrated naval systems,
ensuring long-term benefits for both economies and workforces.
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, which supports
developing countries to protect the marine environment and reduce
poverty, the future vessels will be deployed in an
economically, environmentally, and socially sustainable way. This
includes projects on dynamic fish-stock assessment, fisheries
management, marine conservation, and community-led coastal
resilience initiatives.
The deal is the latest agreement struck with international
partners to export defence and maritime capability. It follows
the UK winning a £10bn contract with Norway to build the nation's
next generation anti-submarine warfare destroyers, supporting
4000 UK jobs, and an £8bn deal with
NATO-ally Türkiye for the export of 20 Typhoon fighter
jets, securing a further 20,000 jobs.
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”
This programme forms an integral part of the broader strategic
partnership that the Prime Minster and President Prabowo
committed to in November last year.
