India is set to deliver BrahMos supersonic cruise missiles and Astra air-to-air missiles to Indonesia, an Indian government official confirmed on Tuesday, as Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi kicked off a two-day trip to Jakarta.
Sources within the Indian government previously told Reuters that the agreement, valued at roughly $630 million, was likely to be formally signed during Modi’s visit to the Indonesian capital.
With this deal, Indonesia would become the third nation to enter into a purchase agreement for the missiles, which are produced by BrahMos Aerospace Private Limited.
The transaction represents a significant milestone in the expansion of India’s defense exports and is expected to strengthen strategic relationships with Southeast Asia’s largest economy. It comes amid increasing competition between India and China for regional influence across the Indo-Pacific.
The BrahMos missile was jointly developed by India and Russia and ranks among the fastest cruise missiles in the world. It can be launched from land, sea, and air-based platforms.
The Astra beyond-visual-range air-to-air missiles are designed to be integrated with Russian-built Sukhoi fighter jets currently operated by the Indonesian Air Force.
The Indian government had not responded to prior requests for comment, and the Indonesian embassy in New Delhi also did not immediately reply to media inquiries.
Back in March, Indonesia announced it had reached an agreement with India to acquire the BrahMos missile system, which is jointly owned by the Indian and Russian governments. At that time, Indonesia’s Defence Ministry indicated to Reuters that the deal was in its final stages and could be valued somewhere between $200 million and $350 million.
Global interest in the BrahMos missile has surged following India’s four-day military conflict with Pakistan last year, during which the weapon system was used in live combat for the first time.
India has already finalized BrahMos sales agreements with Vietnam and the Philippines and has received expressions of interest from more than six other countries, including the United Arab Emirates.
During his visit, Modi is scheduled to meet with Indonesian President Prabowo Subianto to discuss topics including maritime security, defense cooperation, regional connectivity, and broader strategic coordination across the Indo-Pacific, according to Indian sources.
Negotiations surrounding the BrahMos deal are expected to center on a phased acquisition approach, which would allow Indonesia to build up its missile capabilities gradually over time, a third Indian source said. The package being considered includes missile systems, supporting infrastructure, operator training, maintenance services, and additional technical assistance needed for long-term use.
Trade between India and Indonesia reached $28.15 billion during the 2024-25 fiscal year, with Indonesia standing as India’s second-largest trading partner within the Association of Southeast Asian Nations.
In the lead-up to his trip, Modi stated that his visits to Indonesia, Australia, and New Zealand would reinforce India’s “Act East” policy, its Mutual and Holistic Advancement for Security Across Regions vision, and its dedication to a free, open, and inclusive Indo-Pacific region.
