BrahMos exports are set to expand as India prepares to supply BrahMos supersonic cruise missiles and Astra air-to-air missiles to Indonesia during Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s two-day visit to Jakarta.
An Indian government official said the agreement is expected to be worth about $630 million.
If finalised, Indonesia will become the third country to purchase the BrahMos missile system from India.
The agreement would also strengthen defence ties between the two countries amid growing strategic competition in the Indo-Pacific.
Defence partnership expands
BrahMos Aerospace, a joint venture between India and Russia, manufactures the BrahMos missile.
The missile ranks among the world’s fastest supersonic cruise missiles and can launch from land, sea and air platforms.
Meanwhile, the Astra beyond-visual-range missile can equip Indonesia’s Russian-made Sukhoi fighter aircraft.
Earlier this year, Indonesia confirmed that negotiations with India had reached an advanced stage.
At the time, Indonesian officials estimated the deal’s value at between $200 million and $350 million.
Modi to hold strategic talks
During his visit, Prime Minister Narendra Modi will meet Indonesian President Prabowo Subianto to discuss defence cooperation, maritime security, regional connectivity and broader Indo-Pacific strategy.
In addition, officials are expected to discuss a phased acquisition plan that would allow Indonesia to expand its missile capabilities over time.
The proposed package includes missile systems, training, maintenance services, technical support and related infrastructure.
India expands defence exports
India has already signed BrahMos export agreements with Vietnam and the Philippines.
Moreover, several other countries, including the United Arab Emirates, have expressed interest in acquiring the missile system.
Bilateral trade between India and Indonesia reached $28.15 billion during the 2024–25 financial year, making Indonesia India’s second-largest trading partner within the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN).
