India and Indonesia are moving closer to finalizing a $450 million deal for the BrahMos supersonic cruise missile, eagerly awaited by both sides as a milestone in defence cooperation.
Discussions were held during the third India-Indonesia Defence Ministers' Dialogue in New Delhi on November 27, 2025.
The contract is near signing, pending the last required approval from Russia, which co-developed the missile. This move signals a strong strategic partnership between the two maritime neighbors.
The BrahMos missile deal has gained urgency following its outstanding performance during Operation Sindoor in May 2025, when India launched around 15 BrahMos missiles in a four-day conflict against Pakistan.
This successful show of precision strike capability has increased interest from friendly nations like Indonesia, highlighting the weapon’s reliability under combat conditions.
What is the status of the India-Indonesia BrahMos deal?
The deal between India and Indonesia is in its final stages, with almost all procedural steps completed. Defence ministers Rajnath Singh of India and Sjafrie Sjamsoeddin of Indonesia reviewed regional security issues and defence cooperation during their dialogue.
With Moscow’s nod pending, the contract for BrahMos procurement is expected to be signed soon, marking Indonesia as the second Southeast Asian buyer after the Philippines.
Negotiations have also included discussions on phased purchase plans and integration with Indonesia’s defence platforms, reflecting an extensive collaboration effort.
The visit of Indonesia's defence minister to the BrahMos production facility and the detailed technical briefings indicate the importance both nations attach to the deal.
Did you know?
The BrahMos missile travels at nearly three times the speed of sound, making it one of the fastest supersonic cruise missiles globally.
How did Operation Sindoor affect BrahMos's export prospects?
Operation Sindoor, a brief but intense India-Pakistan conflict in May 2025, propelled BrahMos into the spotlight by demonstrating its supersonic missile precision strike capabilities on critical Pakistani airbases.
The military success increased confidence in the missile’s operational effectiveness, making it an attractive defence export commodity.
India's defence export ambitions have been boosted by this operational validation, with deals like the $375 million sale to the Philippines already underway.
The Indonesia deal exemplifies a growing interest among friendly nations seeking to enhance their strategic deterrence and regional security.
Why is Russian approval critical for the BrahMos deal?
BrahMos is a joint Indo-Russian venture developed by India’s DRDO and Russia’s NPO Mashinostroyenia. Due to shared intellectual property rights, any export contract requires Hungary’s approval before finalization.
This ensures the strategic interests and technology controls of both nations are respected. Russia’s approval has been signalled as imminent, clearing the path for India and Indonesia to formalize the deal.
This condition underscores the complexity of international defence collaborations, in which allied nations jointly regulate export decisions while maintaining mutual control over sensitive technologies.
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How does this deal deepen India-Indonesia defence ties?
The BrahMos procurement is part of broader efforts to deepen bilateral defence cooperation that extends beyond arms sales. The two countries have signed multiple memoranda of understanding covering maritime security, health cooperation, cybersecurity, and cultural exchange, building on the Comprehensive Strategic Partnership established in 2018.
Frequent high-level engagements, India’s Act East policy, and shared historical ties strengthen mutual strategic trust.
Defense Minister visits and the transfer of advanced weapon systems signal a rising foundation for joint regional security initiatives.
What is the strategic importance of BrahMos in the region?
The BrahMos missile, known for its speed of nearly Mach 3 and precision capabilities, offers significant strategic advantages for maritime and land-based security operations.
It is capable of launch from various platforms, including ships, aircraft, and land vehicles, making it a versatile deterrent in the Indo-Pacific region.
As Southeast Asia experiences shifting security dynamics, BrahMos enhances deterrence postures against regional threats.
Its export success reflects India’s rise as a trusted supplier of advanced defence technology, augmenting strategic partnerships with key regional players like Indonesia.
India’s BrahMos export line, fueled by recent combat success and strategic diplomacy, is poised to deliver one of the country’s largest defence export milestones, reshaping regional security cooperation in Southeast Asia.
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