Contrary to some reports, the BrahMos missile deal between India and Indonesia has not yet been finalized. Sources have confirmed to FinancialExpress.com that no formal agreement has been signed, despite ongoing discussions. The deal, which is expected to be worth approximately Rs 3,800 crore, remains under negotiation, with several issues, including the transfer of technology, still to be resolved. However, Indonesia’s interest in acquiring the BrahMos missile is clear, and both countries are taking steps toward finalizing the agreement.
A high-level Indonesian defence delegation is set to visit India in the coming weeks to further discuss the details of the missile purchase and explore other avenues for defence cooperation. This visit is seen as a critical step in moving the deal forward, as both nations continue to strengthen their military ties. In addition to the BrahMos missile, the delegation will engage in talks about broader defence industry collaboration, including shipbuilding and aircraft carrier construction.
Push for the BrahMos Missile
One of the key drivers behind Indonesia interest in the BrahMos missile is the country’s current president, Prabowo Subianto, a former defence minister. Prabowo has long been a proponent of acquiring advanced weapons systems for Indonesia military, and the BrahMos missile has been a central part of his vision for modernizing the country’s defence forces. He has actively pushed for the procurement of this supersonic cruise missile, recognizing its strategic value in enhancing Indonesia defence capabilities.
Indonesia military modernization efforts are being driven by the growing security concerns in the Indo-Pacific region, particularly in the South China Sea.
The BrahMos missile, known for its speed, precision, and lethal strike capability, aligns well with Indonesia broader defence strategy. The air-launched version of the BrahMos missile is particularly attractive, offering Indonesia Air Force a powerful tool to safeguard its extensive maritime territory.
The missile would complement Indonesia existing defence assets, including Russian-made SU-27 fighter jets and Kilo-class submarines, enhancing the country’s overall defence posture.
Beyond BrahMos
While the BrahMos missile remains a focal point of discussions, the Indonesian delegation will also explore potential collaboration in other areas of defence. According to senior Indian officials, shipbuilding is another area where Indonesia has expressed significant interest. The country has a large demand for vessels for its Coast Guard and Navy, and India’s growing expertise in shipbuilding makes it an ideal partner for this sector.
In addition to naval cooperation, there have also been discussions about potential collaboration in aircraft carrier construction. Indonesia has indicated that it would like to work with India on building an aircraft carrier, which would further enhance the capabilities of its naval forces. These discussions align with Indonesia broader strategy of modernizing and expanding its military infrastructure to better address regional security challenges.
During the just concluded visit by Indonesian President Prabowo Subianto to India, both nations engaged in wide-ranging talks on defence cooperation. Indian officials, including Secretary (East) Jaideep Mazumdar, in a special briefing highlighted the importance of increasing coordination between the two countries, with discussions covering areas such as joint exercises, training exchanges, and maintenance of shared defence platforms. On Saturday (Jan 25, 2025), Secretary East in response to media queries stated that there was no concrete agreement on specific defence projects, and the talks highlighted the growing defence partnership between the two nations.
Challenges in Finalizing the BrahMos Deal
One of the key obstacles to finalizing the BrahMos deal is the transfer of technology (ToT). This is a common challenge in defence deals involving advanced systems, as countries look to ensure that they can independently maintain and operate the weapons they acquire. While Indonesia interest in the BrahMos missile is strong, both India and Russia are working to address these technical and logistical hurdles before the deal can be finalized.
The process of transferring technology for the BrahMos missile is complex due to its dual-use nature, involving both Indian and Russian technologies. However, sources have confirmed to FinancialExpress.com that negotiations are progressing, and a deal could be finalized in the near future. Once signed, Indonesia would become the second ASEAN country to purchase the BrahMos missile from India, following the successful delivery to the Philippines.