Indonesia’s Interest in BrahMos Missiles Marks a New Phase in India–ASEAN Defence Relations

Indonesia’s formal bid to acquire the Indo-Russian BrahMos supersonic cruise missile marks a significant shift in the defence dynamics of Southeast Asia. India’s Defence Minister Rajnath Singh confirmed that Jakarta has approached New Delhi with a request to purchase the missile system, signalling Indonesia’s growing interest in advanced defence capabilities and stronger strategic engagement with India. This development also highlights the rising global demand for India’s defence exports, especially its flagship BrahMos missile.

The manufacturer of the BrahMos supersonic missile system has produced the first batch of missiles at its new integration and test facility in Lucknow. (PTI) | News18

Indonesia’s Request and the Status of Negotiations

According to Reuters and other international outlets, discussions between Indonesia and BrahMos Aerospace have been underway for months, with Jakarta evaluating both the shore-based and ship-mounted variants of the missile. Although Indonesia has submitted a formal bid, its Defence Ministry has clarified that no final decision has been made yet, as several competing systems are still under evaluation. The potential deal—estimated between US$200 million and US$350 million—would represent one of the largest defence partnerships between the two countries if finalized. Russian approval, required for any export due to the joint nature of the missile’s development, remains a key factor in the negotiation process.

Why Indonesia Wants BrahMos

Indonesia’s interest is closely tied to its strategic concerns in the Indo-Pacific region. As an archipelagic nation with vast coastlines and ongoing tensions in its Exclusive Economic Zone near the South China Sea, Jakarta seeks a reliable deterrence capability. BrahMos, known for its high speed of nearly Mach 3, precision, and capability to strike both sea and land targets, offers exactly the kind of credibility Indonesia is looking for. Its battle-proven performance, particularly following India’s recent operational successes, has boosted global confidence in the system and enhanced its appeal.

Technical Strengths of the BrahMos Missile

The BrahMos stands out for its versatility, capable of being launched from land, sea, and air platforms. It typically carries a 200–300 kg warhead and is designed for rapid, low-altitude strikes that make interception extremely difficult. Export versions of the missile are produced within the guidelines of the Missile Technology Control Regime (MTCR), which caps certain parameters such as range. Even with these export restrictions, BrahMos remains one of the most formidable cruise missile systems available in the global market.

India’s Growing Defence Export Ambitions

Indonesia’s bid aligns with India’s broader vision of becoming a leading defence exporter. After the successful delivery of BrahMos systems to the Philippines under a US$375 million deal, several nations including Vietnam, Brazil, and the UAE have shown active interest. The new BrahMos manufacturing facility in Lucknow, inaugurated as part of the Uttar Pradesh Defence Corridor, is expected to significantly increase production and strengthen India’s export capacity. Rajnath Singh has emphasized that such projects not only boost national security but also contribute to India’s economic aspirations through indigenous development.

Geopolitical Implications in the Indo-Pacific Region

A potential BrahMos-Indonesia deal carries broader strategic implications. It could reshape Southeast Asia’s defence landscape and strengthen the maritime deterrence network among democracies in the region. At the same time, it may draw reactions from China, given Beijing’s ongoing military assertiveness. For India, the deal symbolizes deepening ties with ASEAN partners and complements its Act East Policy. For Indonesia, choosing BrahMos—despite regional sensitivities—indicates a desire to balance power in the Indo-Pacific with reliable partners.

The MGMM Outlook

Indonesia’s interest in acquiring the BrahMos missile system reflects a major shift in the strategic landscape of Southeast Asia and reinforces India’s rising stature as a defence technology leader. From our viewpoint, Jakarta’s move shows that countries in the Indo-Pacific now increasingly trust India’s defence capabilities, especially at a time when regional tensions and maritime disputes are intensifying. The very fact that Indonesia formally approached New Delhi—after months of technical discussions—shows the credibility that BrahMos has earned globally, especially following India’s successful export to the Philippines. Even as Indonesia continues evaluating multiple systems, its focus on BrahMos highlights a clear preference for high-precision, fast-response deterrence that aligns with its security concerns near the South China Sea.

For India, this development goes far beyond a commercial defence transaction. It marks a deeper strategic alignment with ASEAN and strengthens the vision of India as a reliable security partner in the Indo-Pacific. The expansion of BrahMos production capabilities, such as the new facility in Lucknow, shows India’s preparedness to scale exports and meet growing global interest from nations like Vietnam, Brazil, and the UAE. From our perspective, the Indonesia–BrahMos engagement reinforces India’s Act East Policy and signals a maturing regional defence ecosystem in which India is no longer just a participant but a shaping force. If finalized, the deal would not only empower Indonesia’s maritime defence but further cement India’s role as a decisive contributor to Indo-Pacific stability.

(Sources: Economic Times, News18, India.com)