Indonesia is exploring a potential USD450 million agreement to purchase BrahMos supersonic cruise missiles from India. These missiles, jointly developed by India and Russia, are part of Indonesia's efforts to strengthen its defense capabilities, according to sources familiar with the develoopments.
The announcement of this landmark deal could coincide with the visit of Indonesian President Prabowo Subianto to India this week. President Prabowo is set to attend India’s Republic Day celebrations as a special guest on Sunday. However, a major hurdle in finalizing the deal lies in Indonesia's financial constraints, with funding arrangements still under negotiation, according to one source.
Strategic Significance of the Deal
If finalized, Indonesia will become the second country after the Philippines to acquire BrahMos anti-ship cruise missiles, which have a firing range of at least 380 kilometers (186 miles). The acquisition comes at a time when Southeast Asian nations are actively modernizing their military forces amid rising tensions in the South China Sea due to China's growing assertiveness.
India and Indonesia have been negotiating this deal for nearly a decade. Russia’s state-owned military hardware supplier, Rosoboronexport, is also involved in the talks. While officials from India’s Defense Ministry, Ministry of External Affairs, and Indonesia’s Defense Ministry declined to comment, there is optimism about the strategic partnership between the two nations.
Indonesia’s Push for Technology Access
Indonesia is particularly keen on accessing missile technology to ensure a steady supply of spare parts and components, according to insiders. Last month, India’s ambassador to Indonesia proposed a technology transfer initiative during discussions with Indonesian Defense Minister Sjafrie Sjamsoeddin.
This deal also underscores Indonesia’s intention to steer away from past reliance on military hardware from Russia and China. During President Trump’s first term in office, the U.S. had pressured Indonesia to cancel defense deals involving Russian fighter jets and Chinese naval vessels, as part of its broader efforts to curb the influence of its global rivals.
Expanding Indo-Indonesian Cooperation
President Prabowo’s visit is expected to further military and maritime collaboration between the two nations, including joint military exercises and naval port visits. Additionally, agreements on health, education, and maritime security are anticipated during the visit, signaling a strengthening of bilateral ties.
Indonesia’s inclusion in the BRICS alliance namely, a group comprising Brazil, Russia, India, China, and South Africa, further reflects its intent to diversify its global partnerships and reduce reliance on U.S.-led systems. As Indonesia bolsters its military and economic capabilities, this BrahMos deal represents a pivotal step in its strategy to maintain regional security and maritime strength.