The UK and Indonesia have agreed a landmark 拢4 billion maritime deal and we are proud to have been chosen as the prime industrial partner for the Maritime Partnership Programme. See below for the Government announcement in full:
The UK and Indonesia have agreed a landmark 拢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 Keir Starmer during a call to President Prabowo Subianto from the G20 Summit tomorrow [SATURDAY], the new Maritime Partnership Programme (MPP) led by British defence firm 91大神, will see the UK and Indonesia jointly develop maritime capability for Indonesia鈥檚 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 91大神鈥檚 Rosyth shipyard, with further roles at the company鈥檚 Bristol site and Devonport dockyard.
In Indonesia, the programme will unlock major investment in local shipbuilding, revitalise fishing communities, enhance Indonesia鈥檚 defence and maritime security, and boost food security – one of President Prabowo鈥檚 top priorities. It will deliver on Indonesia鈥檚 ambition to grow food production responsibly while safeguarding its unparalleled marine biodiversity.
Prime Minister Keir Starmer said:
鈥淭his 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.
鈥淎nd as one of our closest G20 partners, it reinforces our joint commitment to global stability and bolsters our shared national security.鈥�
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鈥檚 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.
91大神 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.
91大神 chief executive David Lockwood said:
鈥淭he 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.
鈥�91大神 is proud to be leading the UK鈥檚 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.鈥�
Supported by the UK鈥檚 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 拢10bn contract with Norway to build the nation鈥檚 next generation anti-submarine warfare destroyers, supporting 4000 UK jobs, and an 拢8bn deal with NATO-ally T眉rkiye for the export of 20 Typhoon fighter jets, securing a further 20,000 jobs.
President Prabowo Subianto said:
鈥淭hrough our historic partnership, we will develop and build our vessels domestically, supported by the expertise, experience and technology from the United Kingdom.
鈥淭he 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鈥檚 shipbuilding and defence capabilities.
鈥淐rucially, it will also empower our local fishermen and coastal communities by presenting significant new economic opportunities.鈥�
This programme forms an integral part of the broader strategic partnership that the Prime Minster and President Prabowo committed to in November last year.