Indonesia Seeks More BrahMos Missiles
Indonesia has communicated its desire to procure an additional BrahMos supersonic missile battery, building on the single battery finalized under a preliminary framework in March 2026. This development comes ahead of Prime Minister Narendra Modi's three-day visit to Indonesia starting July 6.
Background of the Deal
Sources told the Tribune that Indonesia's interest in expanding the deal was conveyed during recent discussions. The initial battery, which includes launchers, radars, and missiles, was agreed upon during the Defence Cooperation Dialogue in New Delhi in November 2025, when Defence Minister Rajnath Singh hosted his Indonesian counterpart, Sjafrie Sjamsoedd.
In March 2026, Indonesian Defence Ministry spokesperson Rico Ricardo Sirait confirmed the agreement, stating it was "part of the modernisation of military hardware and defence capabilities, especially in the maritime sector."
Phased Procurement Plan
The two sides are now working on a phased procurement plan for the BrahMos missile, which has a range of 290 km due to Missile Technology Control Regime (MTCR) restrictions. India has also proposed establishing a Joint Defence Industry Cooperation Committee to facilitate technology transfer and joint research and development. Indonesia is exploring financing options through one of its banks.
Regional Context
India has previously sold BrahMos systems to the Philippines and Vietnam, both of which have maritime territorial disputes with China in the South China Sea. The Philippines signed a $375-million contract in 2022, with deliveries beginning in 2024, while Vietnam is reportedly negotiating a deal valued at approximately $620 million, including mobile coastal defence batteries, training, and logistics support.
Indonesia has a small coastline on the South China Sea but is not directly involved in the disputes.
Strategic Implications
The export of BrahMos, the world's only supersonic cruise missile flying at Mach 3, to ASEAN nations underscores India's shift toward sharing advanced technology with regional partners. This move aims to secure maritime commons and build resilient supply chains outside traditional blocs. The BrahMos is a joint venture between India's Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO) and Russia's NPO Mashinostroyeniya, established in 1998.
