The deal with Indonesia comes on the heels of a similar transaction with the Philippines. The Brahmos missile, a supersonic cruise missile developed by BrahMos Aerospace, is set to enhance Indonesia’s military capabilities and strengthen defense ties between the two nations.
Image: Brahmos. Here is how India developed technologies to bypass sanctions against its missile programme
Indonesian President Prabowo Subianto, who was a special guest at India’s Republic Day celebrations, visited the BrahMos Aerospace headquarters in India on Sunday. Leading a high-level delegation, including Indonesian Navy Chief Admiral Muhammad Ali, President Subianto explored the advanced capabilities of the Brahmos missile system.
The Indonesian officials were briefed on the missile’s specifications, including its speed, range, and versatility, which includes launch options from land, air, and sea, the report said. BrahMos Aerospace shared details of the visit on social media, highlighting the discussions on enhancing bilateral defense cooperation
A joint venture between India and Russia
Brahmos is a product of a joint venture between India and Russia, and the missile system is known for its unmatched speed, reaching Mach 2.8, which is nearly three times the speed of sound. The missile is capable of striking targets up to 290 km, with a more advanced version having a range of up to 500 km.
This is the second international sale of Brahmos missiles after the Philippines deal in January 2022. The Philippines had signed an agreement worth around $375 million to procure Brahmos missile batteries for their military forces.
Strengthening strategic ties
The Republic Day visit of Indonesian President Subianto comes at a time when the two countries are trying to strengthen ties to secure the Indo-Pacific region. “To increase cooperation in the defense sector, we have agreed to work together in defence manufacturing and supply chains,” Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi said.
Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi emphasised Indonesia’s importance as a partner in maintaining security and a rules-based order in the Indo-Pacific region.
Philippines’ first consignment
In another major development, India is preparing to deliver the first consignment of Brahmos missiles and launchers to the Philippines by April 2024. The deal marks a new chapter in India’s defence diplomacy, with the Philippines becoming the first foreign country to acquire the Brahmos missile system.
First Published: Jan 27, 2025 9:04 AM IST