India is set to supply Indonesia with BrahMos supersonic cruise missiles and Astra beyond-visual-range air-to-air missiles under a defence agreement anticipated to be finalized during Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s visit to Jakarta. The deal, valued at approximately USD 630 million, will position Indonesia as the third nation to acquire the BrahMos missile system, marking a notable milestone in India’s expanding defence exports and reinforcing strategic relations with Southeast Asia’s largest economy amid intensifying competition with China in the Indo-Pacific region.
The BrahMos missile, developed jointly by India and Russia, ranks among the fastest cruise missiles globally and is deployable from land, sea, and air platforms. Meanwhile, the Astra missile is compatible with Indonesia’s Russian-made Sukhoi fighter jets, enhancing their aerial combat capabilities. Indonesia had earlier announced in March that it was negotiating to procure the BrahMos missile system, with estimates at the time placing the deal between USD 200 million and USD 350 million.
Interest in the BrahMos system has surged following India’s brief conflict with Pakistan last year, during which India reportedly employed the missile in combat for the first time. Beyond Indonesia, India has also signed export agreements for the BrahMos missile with Vietnam and the Philippines, while other countries, including the United Arab Emirates, have shown interest.
In a significant development, Modi commenced a two-day visit to Indonesia, where he is expected to discuss maritime security, defence industrial collaboration, regional connectivity, and broader strategic cooperation in the Indo-Pacific with President Prabowo Subianto. Discussions on the missile deal are likely to emphasize a phased acquisition approach, enabling Indonesia to progressively enhance its missile capabilities. The comprehensive package is expected to cover missile systems, infrastructure support, operator training, maintenance, and long-term technical assistance.
Bilateral trade between India and Indonesia reached USD 28.15 billion in the 2024-25 financial year, making Indonesia India’s second-largest trading partner within the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN). Ahead of his visit, Modi highlighted that his tour of Indonesia, Australia, and New Zealand would strengthen India’s “Act East” policy and reaffirm its commitment to maintaining a free, open, and inclusive Indo-Pacific region.
