Shafaqna Pakistan: India will supply BrahMos supersonic cruise missiles and Astra air-to-air missiles to Indonesia, an Indian government official said on Tuesday, as Prime Minister Narendra Modi began a two-day visit to Jakarta.
Indian officials had earlier told Reuters that the agreement, valued at around $630 million, was expected to be signed during Modi’s visit.
Indonesia would become the third country to purchase the BrahMos missile system, which is produced by BrahMos Aerospace Private Limited.
The deal marks a significant boost to India’s defence exports and is expected to strengthen strategic ties with Southeast Asia’s largest economy amid growing competition with China for influence in the Indo-Pacific region.
Jointly developed by India and Russia, the BrahMos is among the world’s fastest supersonic 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 $200 million to $350 million.
Interest in the BrahMos missile has grown since India’s four-day conflict with Pakistan last year, when New Delhi used the weapon system in combat for the first time.
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 Association of Southeast Asian Nations.
Ahead of the trip, Modi said his visits to Indonesia, Australia and New Zealand would strengthen India’s “Act East” policy, its Mutual and Holistic Advancement for Security Across Regions vision and its commitment to a free, open and inclusive Indo-Pacific region.
Source: Dunya News
