Indonesia signs $450 million deal with India to buy BrahMos missile system

Indonesia has entered into an agreement with India to procure the BrahMos supersonic cruise missile system as part of its efforts to modernise military capabilities, particularly coastal defence. The deal, valued at around $450 million (nearly ₹3,800 crore), makes Indonesia the second Southeast Asian nation after the Philippines to purchase the missile system.

According to Indonesia’s defence ministry spokesperson Rico Ricardo Sirait, the procurement is aimed at strengthening the country’s maritime security and defence preparedness. He said the acquisition would help enhance Indonesia’s deterrence capabilities and safeguard national sovereignty while further deepening the strategic defence partnership between Jakarta and New Delhi.

BrahMos, a joint venture between India and Russia, is regarded as the world’s fastest operational supersonic cruise missile, capable of reaching speeds between Mach 2.8 and Mach 3. The versatile system can be launched from land-based platforms, warships, submarines and aircraft, enabling rapid and high-precision strikes that are difficult to intercept.

The agreement follows prolonged negotiations that gained momentum during high-level engagements, including discussions at the India–Indonesia Defence Ministers’ Dialogue in 2025. Several other countries are also in talks with India over potential purchases of the missile system, reflecting growing international interest in the BrahMos as part of India’s expanding defence exports.