Indonesia to buy BrahMos missiles, Indian govt official says as Modi kicks off 2-day Jakarta visit

Published
0
A Naval officer walks past Army's BrahMos weapon systems during a rehearsal for the upcoming Republic Day parade in New Delhi, India, January 20, 2025. —Reuters/File
A Naval officer walks past Army's BrahMos weapon systems during a rehearsal for the upcoming Republic Day parade in New Delhi, India, January 20, 2025. —Reuters/File

India will supply BrahMos supersonic cruise missiles and Astra air-to-air missiles to Indonesia, an Indian government official said on Tuesday, as Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi started a two-day visit to Jakarta.

Indian sources earlier told Reuters that the deal, worth around $630 million, would likely be signed during Modi’s visit.

Indonesia would be the third country to sign an agreement to buy the missiles, which are manufactured by BrahMos Aerospace Private Limited.

The deal would mark a major expansion of India’s defence exports and deepen strategic ties with Southeast Asia’s largest economy at a time of growing competition with China for influence in the Indo-Pacific.

BrahMos missiles, jointly developed by India and Russia, are among the world’s fastest cruise missiles and can be launched from land, sea and air platforms.

The Astra beyond-visual-range air-to-air missiles can be integrated on Russian-made Sukhoi fighter jets in the Indonesian Air Force.

The Indian government did not respond to earlier emails seeking a comment. The Indonesian embassy in New Delhi did not immediately respond to a request for comment.

In March, Indonesia said it had entered an agreement with India to procure the BrahMos missile system, which is co-owned by the Indian and Russian governments.

At the time, the Indonesian Defence Ministry told Reuters the deal was in advanced stages and could be worth $200m to $350m.

India has signed agreements to sell BrahMos missiles to Vietnam and the Philippines. It has received interest from more than half a dozen other countries, including the United Arab Emirates.

Modi is scheduled to hold talks with Indonesian President Prabowo Subianto and discuss maritime security, defence industrial cooperation, regional connectivity and broader strategic coordination in the Indo-Pacific, the Indian sources said.

Talks on the BrahMos deal are expected to focus on a phased acquisition model that would allow Indonesia to gradually expand its missile capabilities, a third Indian source said.

The package under consideration includes missile systems, supporting infrastructure, operator training, maintenance services and other technical assistance needed for long-term deployment, the third source said.

Bilateral trade with Indonesia reached $28.15 billion in 2024-25, with the country ranking as India’s second-largest trading partner in the Association of Southeast Asian Nations.

Opinion

Editorial

After the talks
Updated 05 Oct, 2026

After the talks

Considering how close they came to a solution, govt and opposition teams should reconvene to give the talks another chance.
Child safety online
Updated 05 Oct, 2026

Child safety online

Pakistani children are spending more of their lives online, but the safeguards around them are not keeping pace.
Rising public debt
05 Oct, 2026

Rising public debt

Pakistan’s public debt has surged by 76pc to Rs86.7tr in four years, according to a new government report.
Yemen offensive
Updated 04 Oct, 2026

Yemen offensive

The best option, therefore, is for Muslim and Arab states to help restore the Saudi-Houthi ceasefire.
Growth transition
04 Oct, 2026

Growth transition

PRIME Minister Shehbaz Sharif’s recent call to move from stabilisation to growth, job creation and export ...
Protection at risk
04 Oct, 2026

Protection at risk

THE recent warning from UNHCR should alarm donor governments. Nearly 8.3m refugees and other forcibly displaced...