India and Indonesia are close to finalising a $450 million BrahMos missile deal, marking a major step in Indo-Pacific security cooperation. With nearly all approvals in place, the pact boosts coastal defence, joint production, and India’s defence export ambitions under Atmanirbhar Bharat.
TheInterviewTimes.com | November 27, 2025: India and Indonesia are edging closer to completing a landmark $450 million BrahMos missile deal, signalling a major strategic shift in Indo-Pacific defence cooperation. The nearly finalised agreement comes as both nations expand maritime security coordination amid growing regional tensions.
During the third India–Indonesia Defence Ministers’ Dialogue in New Delhi on November 26, Defence Minister Rajnath Singh gifted a BrahMos missile replica to Indonesian Defence Minister Sjafrie Sjamsoeddin — a strong sign that negotiations are in their last phase. Defence officials confirm that all major processes are cleared, with only Russia’s formal approval pending, owing to BrahMos Aerospace’s joint venture between DRDO and Russia’s NPOM.
Delighted to meet the Indonesian Defence Minister General Retd. Sjafrie Sjamsoeddin in New Delhi. Our defence cooperation built on our commitment to maintain regional security has grown manifold during the recent years. During the deliberations today, we had a free and frank… pic.twitter.com/AyBmoTXyvp
— Rajnath Singh (@rajnathsingh) November 27, 2025
A Breakthrough After Years of Negotiations
Although discussions began in 2010, the proposed BrahMos acquisition gained strong momentum in 2025. Indonesian President Prabowo Subianto’s Republic Day visit as chief guest revived talks, with a top Indonesian naval delegation visiting BrahMos facilities in Lucknow soon after.
Prime Minister Narendra Modi and President Subianto held detailed discussions on missile procurement and wider defence collaboration. India’s Chief of Defence Staff General Anil Chauhan further advanced negotiations during his October visit to Jakarta. India publicly confirmed Indonesia’s formal procurement request soon after.
The ministers also assessed regional security concerns and agreed to activate a Joint Defence Industry Cooperation Committee to enable technology transfer, supply-chain integration, and expanded naval exercises — including those linked to the Indian Ocean Rim Association.
Combat-Proven BrahMos Raises Global Demand
The BrahMos missile, capable of Mach 3 speeds and ranges of 290–450 km, has seen surging global interest following India’s Operation Sindoor in May 2025. During the operation, BrahMos conducted precision strikes on Pakistani air bases, reinforcing its reputation as one of the world’s fastest and hardest-to-intercept cruise missiles.
The Philippines became the first international customer in 2022 with a $375 million order for coastal batteries, all delivered by 2025. Vietnam is currently in discussions for a $700 million package, with Malaysia, Thailand, and Middle Eastern countries also exploring procurement.
For Indonesia, the missile is a critical asset for coastal defence around the Natuna Islands — a region frequently contested by China over maritime boundaries. Jakarta is expected to become the second Southeast Asian nation to induct BrahMos, enhancing its deterrence posture across the archipelagic zone.
Boost to India’s Defence Exports and Regional Strategy
The BrahMos missile deal aligns with India’s Atmanirbhar Bharat defence export push. India has recorded defence exports nearing ₹4,000 crore in 2025, positioning itself as a rising defence supplier in the Indo-Pacific.
Earlier this year, India and Indonesia signed a new Defence Cooperation Agreement enabling joint production, logistics integration, and high-technology partnerships. For Indonesia, acquiring BrahMos strengthens its role as a key Indo-Pacific stakeholder, particularly near vital chokepoints such as the Malacca Strait.
Once Russia’s approval is granted — expected soon — the deal could be signed immediately, opening pathways for deliveries, potential co-production, and future upgrades, including extended-range BrahMos variants reaching 600 km post-MTCR compliance.
Key Takeaways
- India and Indonesia are close to finalising a $450 million BrahMos missile deal, pending Russian approval.
- The acquisition strengthens Indonesia’s coastal defence and Indo-Pacific strategic posture.
- BrahMos demand increased globally after India’s 2025 combat demonstration during Operation Sindoor.
- The agreement supports India’s growing defence export ambitions under Atmanirbhar Bharat.
- Indonesia could become the second Southeast Asian nation to deploy BrahMos missiles.