Indonesia is in talks for supplies of supersonic missile systems co-developed by India and Russia
India and Indonesia are close to finalizing a $450 million deal on the supply of BrahMos cruise missiles, Indian media have reported, following consultations in New Delhi between military officials from the two countries. The talks were part of Indonesian President Prabowo Subianto’s official visit to India as chief guest of the 75th Republic Day celebrations.
President Prabowo and a high-level delegation, including Indonesian Navy Chief Admiral Muhammad Ali, visited the headquarters of Russian-Indian consortium BrahMos Aerospace on Sunday. The president examined the advanced features of the BrahMos missile system and the delegation was briefed on the missile’s speed, range and launch options from land, air and sea, according to News18.
Last year, another Southeast Asian nation, the Philippines, became the first foreign country to acquire the BrahMos missile, receiving its initial batch in April as part of a $375 million deal signed in 2022. Additionally, BrahMos Aerospace was reportedly in discussions with Vietnam and the United Arab Emirates regarding potential sales. According to Indian officials, Saudi Arabia and Malaysia have also been identified as potential buyers of BrahMos missiles.
Designed for precise long-range strikes against ground targets, the BrahMos missile has the capability to engage targets on land, sea and underwater platforms. Initially having a range of 290km (180 miles), the missile’s range has been extended to 500km through subsequent upgrades.
Senior officials from Jakarta also expressed interest in cooperation on aircraft carrier construction during recent meetings with the Indian side, defense sources told ANI.
The joint statement issued after the talks between the Indonesian president and Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi noted the countries are willing to “deepen and broaden the defence cooperation to a robust one.” New Delhi and Jakarta also agreed to strengthen maritime security cooperation, including through participation in regional mechanisms to ensure safe sea lanes. The initiatives are part of a bilateral document on maritime cooperation in the Indo-Pacific adopted by the two nations in 2018.
Acknowledging the significance of developing domestic defense manufacturing capabilities, President Prabowo commended India’s progress in this area and expressed interest in enhancing cooperation. In response, India offered to support Indonesia’s ongoing defense modernization efforts by sharing its expertise and experience. Both nations reaffirmed their commitment to strengthening defense industry collaboration through the Joint Defense Cooperation Committee.
In a statement on Monday, Indian President Droupadi Murmu noted that defense and space cooperation are emerging as major elements of bilateral relations, adding that Indonesia is a key pillar of India’s ‘Act East’ policy and Indo-Pacific Vision. The president also stressed that India and Indonesia cooperate closely on various multilateral platforms, including BRICS, which Indonesia joined as a permanent member this year.
