Babcock Unveils Innovative Frigate Design Deal with Indonesia

This landmark agreement comes two years after Babcock’s AH140 model was initially revealed as the preferred contender for the UK Type 31 frigate project at DSEI 2019, with the contract being ratified in November of the very same year.

The design license will permit PAL to construct two Arrowhead 140 frigates in Indonesia, featuring customized design adaptations for the Indonesian Navy.

The pact was formalized at the Defence and Security Equipment International (DSEI) 2021 event in London, aboard HMS Argyll, by David Lockwood, CEO of Babcock, and Kaharuddin Djenod, CEO of PAL. It was attended by Indonesia’s Defence Minister, Prabowo Subianto, and UK Defence Secretary, Rt Hon Ben Wallace MP.

Babcock has been collaborating with the UK Government to advocate for the Arrowhead 140 Frigate in the global marketplace, attracting strong international interest. The company recently disclosed that it was one of the shortlisted bidders selected by the Polish Government to offer a prospective design solution for the Polish Navy’s Miecznik (Swordfish) frigate programme.

The fundamental Arrowhead 140 design is adaptable to accommodate a wide array of naval demands and, with Babcock’s assistance, PAL will now implement the necessary modifications to tailor the Arrowhead 140 for the Indonesian client.

David Lockwood, CEO of Babcock, stated:

“Today represents a truly exhilarating milestone for Babcock and our frigate export initiative, as we finalize the design license with PAL for two new frigates for the Indonesian Navy.

“The advantage of our export offering lies in its easily transferable design, which can be customized to meet the specific needs of the customer as part of our robust Arrowhead frigate lineup. Moreover, this design license and subsequent building initiative will serve as a significant driver of economic growth in Indonesia.

“By collaborating with our Indonesian partners, this contract will facilitate the construction of Arrowhead 140 frigates in Indonesia, utilizing the local labor force and directly contributing to the social and economic enhancement of its sovereign shipbuilding sector and the country overall. We anticipate additional opportunities to support PAL as the initiative evolves.

“It’s a proud day for the teams at Babcock and PAL.”

Defence Secretary Ben Wallace remarked:
“I was thrilled to participate in the contract signing between Babcock and Indonesia aboard HMS Argyll today, showcasing the finest of British maritime design and engineering to our international allies.

“This signifies the strength of our defense partnership with Indonesia, where both of our Naval Forces will operate this leading-edge frigate in the future, working closely together to safeguard our shared interests globally.”