The UK government has unveiled a £128 million export finance package to support the delivery of advanced submarine rescue systems to Indonesia, marking a significant step in strengthening
both British manufacturing and international defence cooperation.
Through UK Export Finance (UKEF), the deals will enable British firms to supply cutting-edge submarine rescue vehicle systems (SRVS) to the Indonesian Navy—technology designed to save lives in high-risk underwater emergencies.
At the heart of the agreements are two major UK players: Submarine Manufacturing and Products Ltd (SMP Ltd) and Forum Energy Technologies Ltd (FET). Together, the contracts are expected to generate more than £67 million for the UK economy while supporting jobs across the maritime and defence supply chain.
SMP Ltd, based in Bristol, will lead a £76 million project delivering its advanced SRV-F rescue system, a 50-person capacity vehicle capable of rapid deployment by air or sea. The system will operate alongside a purpose-built mothership, allowing coverage across Indonesia’s vast archipelago. The project alone is expected to inject over £39 million into the UK supply chain and create new skilled jobs.
Meanwhile, York-based FET will deliver a separate £52 million submarine rescue system rated to depths of 610 metres. The company, which has more than four decades of subsea engineering experience, has already expanded its workforce by 50% over the past year—growth largely driven by this contract.
The agreements come in the wake of the 2021 KRI Nanggala submarine tragedy, highlighting Indonesia’s renewed focus on submarine safety and emergency preparedness. British expertise in subsea rescue technology is expected to play a key role in strengthening these capabilities.
A strategic export sector for the UK
The deals also underline the growing importance of submarine and subsea technology exports as a pillar of the UK’s advanced manufacturing strategy. The UK has long been a global leader in underwater engineering, leveraging decades of experience from defence programmes and offshore energy sectors.
From autonomous underwater vehicles to deep-sea rescue systems, British firms are increasingly exporting highly specialised technologies to allied and emerging markets. Government-backed financing through UKEF has become a critical tool in securing these deals, particularly in complex, capital-intensive defence projects.
Over the past two years alone, UKEF has supported more than £6.6 billion in advanced manufacturing exports, with ambitions to expand further. By 2029, the agency aims to unlock £10 billion in financing for projects in developing and middle-income countries—many of which are seeking to modernise naval capabilities and maritime safety systems.
Strengthening UK–Indonesia ties
Beyond the economic impact, the agreements deepen defence and industrial ties between the UK and Indonesia. British firms will work closely with local partners, including PT BTI Indo Tekno and PT Agrapana Nugraha Katara, ensuring technology transfer and long-term collaboration.
UKEF chief executive Tim Reid described the contracts as a milestone, noting they showcase “the very best of British subsea engineering” while delivering tangible benefits at home.
With global demand for submarine safety and rescue systems rising, the UK is positioning itself as a leading exporter in this niche but critical sector—combining technical expertise with government-backed financial support to compete on the world stage. Photo by DoD photo by: JOC David Fliesen, U.S. Navy, Wikimedia commons.
