In a significant development for regional defence cooperation, Indonesia has initiated formal discussions with India over the purchase of BrahMos supersonic cruise missiles. A letter of intent from the Indonesian Ministry of Defence to the Indian Embassy in Jakarta signals the start of negotiations for a potential deal worth $450 million, according to reports from The New Indian Express.
The BrahMos missile, renowned for its speed, precision, and versatility, is a product of joint development by India’s Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO) and Russia’s NPO Mashinostroyeniya. It is named after two rivers—the Brahmaputra in India and the Moskva in Russia—symbolising the collaboration between the two nations.
India has proposed facilitating the deal through a loan, possibly from the State Bank of India or other Indian national banks. The financing arrangement underscores India’s strategic interest in strengthening defence ties with Indonesia, a key maritime neighbour and an emerging defence partner in Southeast Asia.
Indonesia, the largest archipelago in the world, faces mounting security challenges in the South China Sea and other maritime zones. The acquisition of the BrahMos missile is expected to bolster its defence capabilities, providing a credible deterrent against potential threats. The supersonic missile, with a range of 290-450 kilometres depending on the variant, is capable of carrying out precision strikes from land, sea, or air, making it a versatile asset for Indonesia’s armed forces.
India and Indonesia share a history of defence cooperation that dates back to their respective struggles for independence. During the 1940s, India played a supportive role in Indonesia’s fight against Dutch colonialism, providing moral and material assistance. This spirit of cooperation was institutionalised in the 1950s with agreements on maritime collaboration and cultural exchange.
In recent years, the two nations have stepped up their defence ties, conducting joint military exercises such as Samudra Shakti, which focuses on naval cooperation. The Andaman and Nicobar Command, India’s only tri-service theatre command, plays a critical role in ensuring maritime security in the shared waters of the Indian Ocean and the Malacca Strait.
This missile deal, if finalised, would mark a milestone in India’s efforts to export its indigenous defence technologies. It would also strengthen Indonesia’s position in maintaining stability in Southeast Asia, particularly in the context of China’s assertive moves in the region.
For India, this deal aligns with its Act East policy, which aims to deepen economic and strategic ties with Southeast Asian nations. Indonesia’s interest in the BrahMos missile highlights the growing recognition of India as a defence exporter capable of contributing to regional security.
Indonesia is expected to deploy the BrahMos missiles primarily for coastal defence, given its vast maritime borders. However, the missile’s adaptability means it could also be integrated into other platforms, such as naval vessels or aircraft, to enhance Indonesia’s overall defence posture.
The BrahMos missile has already attracted interest from several countries, including the Philippines, which signed a $375 million deal for BrahMos missiles in 2022. Vietnam and other Southeast Asian nations have also expressed interest, further cementing BrahMos as a symbol of India’s growing footprint in global arms exports.
