Indonesia to buy BrahMos missiles, Indian govt official says as Modi kicks off 2-day Jakarta visit

JAKARTA: India will supply BrahMos supersonic cruise missiles and Astra air-to-air missiles to Indonesia, an Indian government official said on Tuesday as Prime Minister Narendra Modi began a two-day visit to the Indonesian capital.

Earlier, Indian sources had told Reuters that an agreement valued at about $630 million was likely to be signed during Modi’s trip. If concluded, Indonesia would become the third country to sign a deal to purchase BrahMos missiles from BrahMos Aerospace Private Limited.

The proposed sale would expand India’s defence exports and strengthen strategic links with Southeast Asia’s largest economy at a time of increasing rivalry with China for influence in the Indo-Pacific. BrahMos missiles are jointly developed by India and Russia and are considered among the fastest cruise missiles in the world. They can be launched from land, sea and air platforms.

The Astra beyond-visual-range air-to-air missiles can be fitted onto Russian-made Sukhoi fighter aircraft used by the Indonesian Air Force.

Deal details and earlier discussions

In March, Indonesia said it had entered into an agreement with India to procure the BrahMos missile system, which is co-owned by the Indian and Russian governments. At that time, Indonesia’s Defence Ministry told Reuters that the negotiations were at an advanced stage and that the deal could be worth between $200 million and $350 million.

Indian sources said discussions during Modi’s visit are expected to cover a phased acquisition arrangement that would allow Indonesia to build up its missile capability gradually. A third Indian source said the package under consideration includes missile systems, supporting infrastructure, operator training, maintenance services and other technical support required for long-term deployment.

India has already signed agreements to sell BrahMos missiles to Vietnam and the Philippines. It has also received interest from more than half a dozen other countries, including the United Arab Emirates.

Wider agenda for Modi-Prabowo talks

During the visit, Modi is scheduled to meet Indonesian President Prabowo Subianto. Indian sources said the two sides are expected to discuss maritime security, cooperation in defence industry, regional connectivity and broader strategic coordination in the Indo-Pacific.

Bilateral trade between India and Indonesia reached $28.15 billion in 2024-25, making Indonesia India’s second-largest trading partner within the Association of Southeast Asian Nations.

The Indian government did not respond to earlier emailed requests for comment, while the Indonesian embassy in New Delhi did not immediately reply to a request for comment.