India and Indonesia are in advanced discussions to finalize a $450 million deal to export BrahMos supersonic cruise missiles. On Sunday, a top-level Indonesian defence delegation was briefed on the capabilities of the precision-strike weapon, which has become a cornerstone of India’s armed forces.
The delegation, led by Indonesian Navy Chief Muhammad Ali, visited the BrahMos Aerospace headquarters in India. They interacted with Jaiteerth R. Joshi, CEO of the Indo-Russian joint venture, and other senior officials.
“The delegation was apprised of supersonic BrahMos weapon system and its formidable capabilities. During their interaction, the two sides exchanged ideas and insights on further strengthening bilateral cooperation in the area of defence and strategy,” BrahMos Aerospace stated in a post on X.
The proposed $450 million deal for the export of BrahMos to Indonesia would make it the second ASEAN country after the Philippines to buy the missile with a 290-km range.
If finalized, Indonesia would become the second ASEAN country, after the Philippines, to procure the BrahMos missile, which boasts a range of 290 kilometers.
A high-level delegation headed by Chief of Staff, Adm. Muhammad Ali of the Indonesian Navy @_TNIAL_ visited #BrahMos Aerospace & interacted with Dr. Jaiteerth R. Joshi, @CeoMdbrahmos & other senior officials from the JV enterprise. The delegation was apprised of supersonic… pic.twitter.com/aQZ7brCuMk
— BRAHMOS Missile (@BrahMosMissile) January 26, 2025
The proposed sale was also a key point of discussion during Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s meeting with Indonesian President Prabowo Subianto, who attended India’s Republic Day celebrations as the Chief Guest.
“Both the leaders engaged with CEOs and dignitaries to discuss India-Indonesia bilateral strategic partnership, including in areas of defence and security. Jaiteerth R. Joshi, CEO BrahMos was present and interacted with the CEOs from Indonesia on potential future collaboration,” the company said.
H.E. @narendramodi, Hon’ble Prime Minister of India, and H.E. @prabowo, Hon'ble President of Indonesia, engaged with CEOs and dignitaries to discuss India-Indonesia bilateral strategic partnership, including in areas of defence & security. Dr. Jaiteerth R. Joshi, @CeoMdbrahmos… pic.twitter.com/i7f6cIeNhu
— BRAHMOS Missile (@BrahMosMissile) January 26, 2025
On Saturday, India and Indonesia reaffirmed their commitment to strengthening defence ties. A joint statement highlighted Indonesia’s interest in enhancing its domestic defence manufacturing capabilities, with President Subianto appreciating India’s advancements in the sector.
“Recognising the importance of building domestic manufacturing capabilities, President Prabowo appreciated India’s advancements and expressed interest in strengthening cooperation in this sector,” a joint statement said, adding, “India agreed to support ongoing defence modernisation programmes of Indonesia through experience and expertise sharing.”
The Indonesian delegation is also exploring opportunities for Indian shipyards to build warships for the Indonesian Navy and Coast Guard.
India offers two variants of the BrahMos missile: a shore-based system that can target ships at sea or land-based targets and a ship-launched variant capable of engaging targets on both land and sea. The Indian Navy actively uses both versions.
The BrahMos missile, jointly developed by India and Russia, is known for its unmatched Mach 3 speed, making it extremely difficult to detect or counter. Its precision and versatility have already attracted international customers, with the Philippines being the first export recipient. The Philippines has acquired a land-based version capable of targeting ships at sea, a strategic move amid its maritime disputes with China over the South China Sea.
While Indonesia is not a direct claimant in the South China Sea dispute, it has firmly rejected Beijing’s unilateral nine-dash line claims over the region.
As discussions progress, the potential BrahMos deal represents a significant step in enhancing India-Indonesia defence collaboration and underscores India’s growing role as a regional defence exporter.
Team BharatShakti
