UK Secures £128 Million Submarine Rescue Deals with Indonesia, Boosting British Industry

19 April 2026

SMP SRV-F Mk3 submarine rescue vehicle systems (SRVS) (photos & images: SMP

Today, UK Export Finance (UKEF) announces two multi-million-pound export deals to supply the Indonesian Navy with state-of-the-art submarine rescue vehicle systems (SRVS), amounting to a combined £128 million.

As a result of the deals, over £67 million in supply contracts have been awarded to UK suppliers led by Bristol-based Submarine Manufacturing and Products Limited (SMP Ltd) and York-headquartered Forum Energy Technologies Ltd (FET). Both deals will protect jobs and support the UK supply chain.

SMP Ltd will contribute over £39 million to the UK supply chain by contracting multiple UK based companies to supply goods and services including training and ship design. Established as one of the world’s leading commercial diving and subsea engineering specialists, the contract will also lead to an increase in job creation for the company’s workforce.

Under a separate contract, FET will supply a submarine rescue system to the Indonesian Navy, valued at approximately £30 million. Across its supply chain and shipyard in York, FET has already seen a 50% increase in its workforce in the last 12 months, mostly due to this contract. FET is a leading expert designer and manufacturer of subsea vehicles, with more than 45 years of experience supporting military and naval organisations worldwide. During this time, FET has delivered over 900 manned and unmanned systems, including four submarine rescue vehicles.

Ben Sharples, Managing Director at SMP said:

SMP Ltd is proud to support the Indonesian Navy with our 50-person submarine rescue vehicle (SRV-F), that can be deployed by air and by sea. Supported by a new build mothership, SRV-F is able to provide rescue coverage across Indonesia’s extensive archipelago. UKEF’s backing and the support of its financial partners has been critical to contracting this vital capability.

Chris Buckle, Commercial Manager at FET added:

FET is proud to be working with the Indonesian Navy on the supply of a 610m rated submarine rescue system. This award reflects the Navy’s commitment to enhancing submarine safety and rescue preparedness, and we are honoured to contribute our proven expertise, technology and operational experience to this critical capability. We also extend our thanks to our partners in Indonesia, ANK, and to UK Export Finance for their invaluable support in enabling this project.

Tim Reid, CEO at UKEF said:  “These two landmark deals demonstrate exactly what UK Export Finance exists to do – back British exporters to win major contracts on the world stage, while delivering real economic benefits at home. Together, these deals will generate over £67m for the UK economy and support jobs across our supply chain, from Bristol to York.

“We are proud to be helping Indonesia develop a vital submarine rescue capability, and to be doing so by showcasing the very best of British expertise in subsea engineering. This is UKEF’s first dive into submarine rescue contracts of this kind, and I hope it marks the beginning of an even stronger UK-Indonesia partnership.”

Across the two deals, UKEF has provided two loan guarantees. The first, worth £76m, supports the export of an SRVS supplied by SMP Ltd alongside their Indonesian partner PT BTI Indo Tekno (BTI), with financing provided by JP Morgan Chase, Singapore Branch. The second, worth £52m, supports the export of an SRVS supplied by FET, working with Indonesian partner PT Agrapana Nugraha Katara (ANK), with financing arranged through Banco Santander.

FET LR 600 submarine rescue vehicle (SRV) (photos: FET)

With the backing of UKEF, these transactions mark an important milestone in enhancing Indonesia’s submarine safety procedures following the KRI Nanggala submarine tragedy in 2021. The combined project will see UK suppliers SMP Ltd and FET working alongside their respective Indonesian partners BTI and ANK to deliver a safety-critical capability designed for the Indonesian Navy.

Xian Lin Mah, APAC head of Export & Agency Finance at J.P. Morgan Payments said: “J.P. Morgan is pleased to have arranged the Buyer Credit Facility supporting the export of the Submarine Rescue Vehicle System to the Indonesian Navy. This financing enables the delivery of highly specialised, safety-critical capabilities and underscores the importance of long-term funding solutions for complex, large-scale projects.”

Patrick McAweeney, head of Export & Agency Finance UK at Banco Santander said: “Banco Santander is pleased to have supported the financing of Indonesia’s Deep Submarine Rescue Vehicle (DSRV) programme, an important project which enhances Indonesia’s maritime safety and response capabilities. This transaction reflects our commitment to supporting UK exporters while strengthening international collaboration.”

This transaction represents the first time UKEF has worked with both BTI and SMP Ltd, extending UKEF’s reach into the Indonesian market and strengthening the UK-Indonesian partnership, while encouraging greater use of UK content to qualify for UKEF support.

Peter Tjahjono, Director at PT BTI Indo Tekno said:

This collaboration underscores our steadfast commitment to advancing Indonesia’s maritime defence capabilities. Through the development of the SRVS, we are not only modernizing the Indonesian Navy (TNI AL) fleet but also establishing the highest safety standards for our submarine personnel. This project is a testament to our dedication to the nation’s strategic interests.

This builds on the Business Secretary’s announcement yesterday of the UK’s Modern Industrial Strategy, detailing that 4,200 jobs have been secured following over £700 million of investment in battery manufacturers, auto firms and SMEs across the advanced manufacturing sector in Britain.

UK Export Finance has already backed over £6.6 billion in advanced manufacturing investment over the past two years and will announce plans this summer to go further still, expanding UKEF’s capacity to help British companies seize opportunities in international markets.

The deal between the UK and Indonesia for these two contracts demonstrates UKEF’s function in backing businesses, actively providing finance for developing and emerging markets, creating mutual benefits for communities overseas and in the UK.

By 2029, UKEF aims to back £10 billion of finance in low and middle-income countries, supporting sustainable infrastructure, clean growth and economic development in the countries that need it most, while securing vital export wins for British businesses.

(UKEF)

Australia Locks in Delivery of First Three Upgraded Mogami Class Frigates

19 April 2026

The upgraded Japanese Mogami class frigate scheduled to be delivered in 2029 (photos: Aus DoD)

The Albanese Government has taken a major step towards delivering a larger and more lethal surface combatant fleet with contracts now signed for Australia’s first three general purpose frigates.

Built by Mitsubishi Heavy Industries (MHI), the ships will be of the upgraded Japanese Mogami class frigate design, with the first scheduled to be delivered to the Royal Australian Navy in 2029.

The Albanese Government is working closely with the Japanese Government and industry with future ships to be constructed in Western Australia, subject to consolidation of the Henderson Defence Precinct, in line with the Government’s commitment to continuous naval shipbuilding.

Defence is also working with Japanese industry and the Japan Maritime Self-Defense Force to develop an initial capability to sustain and operate the upgraded Mogami class frigates in Australia, supported by Australian industry and workers.

The upgraded Mogami class frigate has a range of up to 10,000 nautical miles and a 32-cell Vertical Launch System. It will be equipped with surface-to-air and anti-ship missiles, crewed by 92 Royal Australian Navy sailors and officers, and capable of operating Navy’s MH-60R Seahawk maritime combat helicopter.

The decision to acquire upgraded Japanese Mogami class frigates accords with the Albanese Government’s commitment to more than double the size of Navy’s surface combatant fleet, following the 2024 independent analysis of Navy’s surface combatant fleet. In the 2026 Integrated Investment Program released this week, the Government committed to the investment of up to $20 billion over the decade into general purpose frigates.

The contract-signing was marked by the Deputy Prime Minister and his counterpart, the Japanese Minister of Defense, Koizumi Shinjirō signing the ‘Mogami Memorandum’, reaffirming the Australian and Japanese Governments’ shared commitment to the successful delivery of Australia’s general purpose frigates and deeper defence industry cooperation.

Royal Australian Navy personnel trained with the Japanese Maritime Self-Defense Force aboard the Mogami class frigate Japan Ship Kumano during its transit to Australia for Exercise Kakadu, further strengthening interoperability and the longstanding defence relationship between Australia and Japan.

The next two decades will see tens of billions of dollars invested in defence capabilities in Western Australia, including the build of future upgraded Mogami class frigates at the Henderson Defence Precinct, supporting around 10,000 high-skilled jobs.

Quotes attributable to Deputy Prime Minister, Richard Marles:

“Acquiring upgraded-Mogami class frigates demonstrates the Albanese Government’s focus on investing in the capabilities we need to keep Australians safe.

“Our surface fleet is more important than at any time in decades. These general purpose frigates will help secure our maritime trade routes and northern approaches as part of a larger and more lethal surface combatant fleet.”

Quotes attributable to Minister for Defence Industry, Pat Conroy:

“This is the fastest acquisition for the Royal Australian Navy in peacetime. We are working closely with Japanese and Australian industry partners as we acquire one of the most, if not the most, advanced general-purpose frigate in the world.

“We are delivering these commitments at pace, supporting and creating jobs for Australians, and deepening Australia’s industrial base. The first three frigates will be built offshore in Japan. We will then transition to an onshore build in line with the Government’s commitment to continuous naval shipbuilding and a future made in Australia.”

(Aus DoD)

Pemerintah Kaji Rencana Pembelian 24 Pesawat Tempur Rafale

19 April 2026

Pesawat tempur Rafale dengan persenjataan penuh (photo: Aviacion Militar)

Jakarta (ANTARA) - Kementerian Pertahanan (Kemhan) memastikan opsi pembelian 24 pesawat tempur Rafale dari Prancis masih dalam tahap kajian.

Hal tersebut dikatakan Kepala Biro Informasi Pertahanan (Karo Infohan) Setjen Kemenhan RI Brigjen TNI Rico Ricardo Sirait saat dikonfirmasi ANTARA di Jakarta, Jumat soal rencana membeli 24 pesawat tempur Rafale.

"Opsi penambahan masih dalam tahap kajian oleh pemerintah," kata Rico.

Rico menyampaikan pengkajian tersebut dilakukan untuk memastikan pembelian tersebut sesuai dengan kebutuhan pertahanan Indonesia.

Untuk itu, Rico memastikan hingga saat ini belum ada kontrak baru antara Pemerintah Indonesia dan Prancis terkait penambahan sebanyak 24 Rafale.

Seperti diketahui, Indonesia dan Prancis dikabarkan membuat opsi transaksi 24 pesawat tempur Rafael. Berdasarkan informasi yang diunggah akun Instagram khusus informasi pertahanan @isds.indonesia, dijelaskan bahwa pembahasan opsi itu muncul saat pertemuan antara Presiden Prabowo Subianto dengan Presiden Prancis Emmanuel Macron beberapa waktu lalu.

Indonesia sendiri sudah memilik tiga pesawat Rafale, hasil dari kontrak pembelian 42 pesawat yang telah ditandatangani Prabowo Subianto saat masih menjabat sebagai Menteri Pertahanan.

Ke-42 pesawat tersebut datang secara bertahap, dimulai dari gelombang pertama kedatangan tiga pesawat tempur pada awal 2026 lalu.

(Antara)

PT PAL Indonesia Incar Pasar Ekspor Afrika hingga Eropa

18 April 2026

Produk-Produk pertahanan matra laut buatan PT PAL (infograhics: PAL)

jatimnow.com - PT PAL Indonesia menandai hari jadinya yang ke-46 pada Rabu (15/4/2026) dengan misi besar memperkuat kemandirian industri pertahanan (Indhan) tanah air. 

Perusahaan plat merah ini tidak lagi sekadar membangun kapal, melainkan memposisikan diri sebagai konsolidator nasional yang mengintegrasikan seluruh kekuatan maritim Indonesia agar mampu bersaing di panggung global. 

Langkah ini diambil di tengah dinamika geopolitik dunia yang kian kompleks. PT PAL kini melebarkan sayapnya melampaui batas wilayah Asia Tenggara, dengan membidik peluang kerja sama strategis di Asia Barat, Afrika, hingga Eropa. Ekspansi tersebut mencakup ekspor alutsista laut, skema transfer teknologi, hingga pengembangan industri bersama dengan mitra internasional. 

Menghadapi tuntutan zaman, perusahaan yang berbasis di Surabaya ini mulai mengadopsi teknologi digital dalam proses produksinya.

Inisiatif digital shipyard diharapkan mampu meningkatkan efisiensi dan akurasi pembangunan kapal, baik untuk kebutuhan militer maupun komersial. 

Selain digitalisasi, PT PAL juga mulai menggarap konsep green shipyard. Langkah ini menjadi respons terhadap tren industri berat yang dituntut lebih ramah lingkungan serta berkelanjutan.

Penguatan riset dan inovasi masa depan menjadi motor utama untuk memastikan produk lokal tidak kalah saing dengan galangan kapal raksasa dari Korea Selatan maupun Eropa. 

Direktur Utama PT PAL Indonesia menyatakan bahwa usia hampir setengah abad ini menjadi titik balik untuk mengakselerasi visi perusahaan. 

"Kami sudah membuktikan bahwa Indonesia sanggup membangun industri maritim yang membanggakan. Namun, perjalanan belum usai. Perubahan teknologi dan tantangan global mengharuskan kami terus berinovasi dan memperluas peran di kancah internasional," jelasnya.

Sebagai konsolidator, peran PT PAL memiliki dampak berganda (multiplier effect) bagi ekonomi lokal. Dengan membangun ekosistem maritim yang terintegrasi, perusahaan ini membuka pintu bagi vendor-vendor lokal dan industri pendukung untuk ikut terlibat dalam rantai pasok global.

Hingga saat ini, PT PAL tetap menjadi pilar utama dalam menjaga konektivitas antar-pulau serta memperkuat kedaulatan laut Indonesia. 

Target ke depan sangat jelas, yakni meningkatkan kontribusi ekspor dan memastikan industri maritim nasional berdiri sejajar dengan pemain utama dunia. 

Dengan pengalaman empat dekade lebih, PT PAL kini bertransformasi dari sekadar bengkel kapal nasional menjadi pusat inovasi teknologi maritim yang siap menjawab kebutuhan pertahanan dan ekonomi biru di masa depan.

(Jatim Now)

Sikorsky Offers New Armed BLACK HAWK Helicopter Kits to Deliver Additional Mission Capabilities

18 April 2026

Sikorsky’s new production-ready kits enable a single Black Hawk aircraft to perform air-assault, close-support, medevac, ISR and tactical lift (image: Lockheed Martin)

NASHVILLE, Tenn – Sikorsky, a Lockheed Martin company (NYSE: LMT), announced its new Armed Black Hawk helicopter kits, expanding the capabilities of this proven workhorse. The kits extend the role of the Black Hawk into new mission sets including airmobile assault, close support, medical evacuation, ISR and tactical lift, in a single, battle-tested airframe, giving commanders greater flexibility and eliminating the need for separate fleet types.​

“The new Armed Black Hawk kits give warfighters one aircraft that can do it all: a single, versatile, combat-proven platform where ground units can quickly switch out the commercially-produced kits, keeping mission readiness high,” said Sikorsky Vice President and General Manager Rich Benton. “Offering these upgraded kits is another example of our commitment to delivering 21st Century Security solutions that deliver unmatched performance, lifecycle savings and gives soldiers the reliable, interoperable capability they need to win today and tomorrow.”

Sikorsky Black Hawk helicopter outfitted with the two new Armed Black Hawk kit options on display at the Army Aviation Warfighting Summit in Nashville, Tenn (photo: Lockheed Martin)

The Armed Black Hawk kits enable:

-Multirole Capability – A single fleet delivers assault, transport and support functions, cutting acquisition and sustainment costs.

-Production-Ready Kits – Operators can select from two production-ready kits for close support or precision strike capabilities. Choose an integrated solution now or upgrade later via modular armament wings.

-Rapid Reconfiguration – Three-hour mission reconfiguration, allowing rapid role changes.

-Unmatched Value – A cost-effective, single-fleet solution backed by a robust supply chain and Black Hawk operations beyond 2070, delivering meaningful lifecycle savings in maintenance and training.

The kits are available via Foreign Military Sale (FMS) or Direct Commercial Sale (DCS), for seamless integration into FMS fleets supported by Lockheed Martin in the United States, or direct commercial sale options installed by PZL Mielec, a Lockheed Martin company, in Poland.

Building on years of experience supporting an armed Black Hawk fleet in the Middle East, Sikorsky is uniquely positioned to provide next-generation kits for tomorrow’s mission. The Black Hawk helicopter continues to lead multi-mission performance across medium-lift operations, delivering modern, affordable capability for today’s and tomorrow’s missions. Its flexibility to operate at extended ranges and in the most demanding environments enhances survivability and overall mission effectiveness for 21st Century Security® missions.

The Black Hawk is a continuously evolving platform, with each upgrade since the "M" model was introduced in 2006 building on hard-earned lessons from the most demanding missions. Sikorsky is accelerating this evolution—installing higher output engines, integrating a digital architecture and adding an autonomy system that help pilots operate safely and efficiently in the toughest conditions.

(Lockheed Martin)

Pilot TUDM Ikut Pelatihan Bersama ROKAF, Persiapan Mengoperasikan Pesawat FA-50M

18 April 2026

Pelatihan T-50/TA-50 bersama pilot TUDM (photos ssv: TUDM)

Sebanyak enam pilot Angkatan Udara Kerajaan Malaysia (TUDM) sedang menjalani pelatihan penerbangan T-50/TA-50 bersama Angkatan Udara Republik Korea (ROKAF) di Republik Korea sebagai bagian dari persiapan pengoperasian pesawat FA-50M Light Combat (LCA) yang akan memasuki inventaris TUDM.

Program pelatihan telah dilaksanakan selama kurang lebih 15 minggu mulai tanggal 26 Januari hingga 8 Mei di Fighter Wing ke-16 ROKAF, melibatkan pelatihan sekolah dasar, sesi simulator serta pelatihan penerbangan nyata. Sepanjang masa pelatihan, pilot TUDM melakukan studi mendalam tentang sistem pesawat keluarga T-50 melalui kelas teori sebelum menjalani 18 sesi simulator dalam lingkungan pelatihan yang realistis.

Selain itu, para pilot juga melakukan 13 sorti pelatihan penerbangan yang meliputi pelatihan manuver udara, penerbangan instrumen, penerbangan formasi serta operasi penerbangan malam untuk mengembangkan keterampilan penerbangan taktis keseluruhan pesawat.

Program pelatihan ini tidak hanya berfokus pada keterampilan terbang pesawat tersebut, tetapi juga menekankan pengembangan kemampuan operasional taktis yang dibutuhkan untuk pesawat FA-50M yang berfungsi sebagai Light Combat Craft (LCA). Melalui bimbingan pilot-pilot ROKAF yang berpengalaman, pilot-pilot TUDM juga terpapar prosedur operasional dan doktrin-doktrin penerbangan taktis yang dilaksanakan oleh ROKAF.

Setelah menyelesaikan pelatihan pesawat T-50, pilot TUDM akan melanjutkan pelatihan Lead-In Fighter Training (LIFT) di 1st Fighter Wing ROKAF menggunakan pesawat TA-50 Blok 2. Latihan ini berfokus pada pengembangan keterampilan tempur termasuk latihan udara-ke-udara dan udara-ke-darat dalam lingkungan pelatihan yang lebih kompleks dan realistis.

Akuisisi pesawat FA-50M merupakan bagian dari pelaksanaan rencana pengembangan kemampuan jangka panjang atau Rencana Pengembangan Kapabilitas 2055 (CAP55) Fase 1 TUDM untuk memperkuat kemampuan pertahanan udara negara. Pada tahun 2023 Kementerian Pertahanan Malaysia telah menutup kontrak dengan Korea Aergantara Industri (KAI) untuk pembelian 18 pesawat FA-50M LCA/FLIT untuk penggunaan TUDM. TUDM diperkirakan akan menerima dua pesawat pertama pada Oktober 2026, sedangkan sisanya akan diterima secara bertahap.

Pesawat FA-50M ini akan berperan dalam melaksanakan berbagai misi antara lain pertahanan udara, pelatihan pilot tempur, pengawasan serta operasi serangan, serta meningkatkan tingkat kesiapan dan kemampuan operasional TUDM.

Melalui program pelatihan gabungan ROKAF ini, pilot TUDM tidak hanya memperoleh keterampilan penanganan pesawat baru, tetapi juga mempelajari sistem pelatihan dan pengalaman operasional yang telah dikembangkan Korea Selatan selama beberapa dekade.

Setelah semua pelatihan ini selesai, para pilot TUDM akan kembali ke tanah air dengan keahlian baru untuk mengoperasikan pesawat FA-50M, sekaligus mendukung upaya modernisasi TUDM sejalan dengan aspirasi CAP55 dalam memperkuat kemampuan pertahanan udara negara.

(TUDM)

Prajurit Yonif 3 Marinir Asah Presisi Tembakan Senjata Bantuan di Baluran

18 April 2026

Latihan tembakan senjata bantuan Korps Marinir (photos: PasMar2)

Dispen Kormar, TNI AL (Situbondo). Prajurit Batalyon Infanteri (Yonif) 3 Marinir terus mengasah kemampuan tempur melalui Latihan Perorangan Kesenjataan (LPK) Tahun Anggaran 2026 dengan fokus pada uji ketepatan dan presisi senjata bantuan. Kegiatan ini dilaksanakan di daerah latihan Pusat Latihan Pertempuran (Puslatpur) 5 Baluran, Situbondo, Jawa Timur, Sabtu (11/04/2026).

Latihan tersebut menjadi bagian penting dalam meningkatkan profesionalisme prajurit sekaligus memastikan kesiapan teknis seluruh alutsista yang digunakan. Melalui kegiatan ini, Yonif 3 Marinir berupaya menstandarisasi kemampuan tempur prajurit sebelum diterjunkan dalam berbagai penugasan ke depan.

Dalam pelaksanaannya, materi utama yang diberikan adalah penembakan lintas lengkung menggunakan mortir kaliber 81 mm produksi Pindad dan Serbia, serta mortir 60 mm varian Tampella, Serbia, dan Long Range. Penggunaan teknologi optik sistem bidik mortir juga dioptimalkan guna menjamin akurasi tembakan hingga jarak 2 kilometer. Hal ini bertujuan agar setiap proyektil yang ditembakkan mampu mengenai sasaran secara tepat dan efektif dalam mendukung pasukan di garis depan.

Tak hanya mortir, latihan juga mencakup peningkatan intensitas tembakan menggunakan senjata GPMG dan MK 3. Sementara itu, kemampuan penghancuran target diperkuat melalui penggunaan senjata RPG-7, MGL, RXGL, dan GLM. Kombinasi berbagai senjata bantuan tersebut dirancang untuk melumpuhkan konsentrasi musuh, menghancurkan kendaraan lapis baja, hingga meruntuhkan posisi pertahanan yang kuat melalui pola serangan terintegrasi.

Komandan Batalyon Infanteri 3 Marinir, Letkol Marinir Iskandar Muda, menegaskan bahwa melalui latihan yang intensif dan terukur, seluruh prajurit ‘Hiu Petarung’ diharapkan memiliki kepercayaan diri tinggi terhadap alutsista yang digunakan. Dengan demikian, kesiapan tempur satuan akan semakin optimal dalam menghadapi berbagai tugas operasi ke depan.

(PasMar 2)