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India and Indonesia are making significant progress toward finalising a major defence agreement for the BrahMos supersonic cruise missile. Sources informed BharatShakti that both countries are now concentrating on finalising the financial terms and developing a phased procurement schedule for Indonesia.
Today, an Indonesian delegation led by Defence Minister Sjafrie Sjamsoeddin visited the BrahMos production facility in Delhi. Sources said the delegation was given a detailed briefing on the missile system and met with senior officials. The Indonesian side showed strong interest in the naval version, which is expected to be delivered first, while also evaluating the air-launched variant for integration with their Su-30 fighter jets.
The proposed sale was a major point of discussion during the third India-Indonesia Defence Ministers’ Dialogue, held between Defence Minister Rajnath Singh and his Indonesian counterpart. Once the deal is finalised, Indonesia will become the second ASEAN country to acquire BrahMos, after the Philippines, which procured three batteries in 2022.
Versatile Missile with Strategic Impact
Developed jointly by India’s DRDO and Russia’s NPO Mashinostroyeniya, the BrahMos missile is the only supersonic cruise missile in the world capable of speeds up to Mach 2.8 (around 3,450 kmph). It is capable of precise strikes against land, sea, and coastal targets.
Sources explained that Indonesia’s interest in multiple variants of the BrahMos is driven by its aim to strengthen maritime and aerial deterrence in the South China Sea. The naval version will boost coastal and sea control capabilities, while the air-launched version will enhance the strike reach of Indonesia’s Su-30s. Analysts note that these acquisitions form part of a broader strategy to modernise the military and diversify beyond existing Russian platforms such as SU-27 fighters and Kilo-class submarines.
Prof Srikanth Kondapalli of Jawaharlal Nehru University said, “Indonesia’s acquisition of BrahMos reflects its effort to secure strategic advantages and reinforce regional deterrence in Southeast Asia.”
Sources indicated that with final terms being settled, the agreement could be officially signed before the end of the year, marking a significant milestone in India’s growing defence exports to ASEAN nations.
Huma Siddiqui
