India, Indonesia Close to Finalising BrahMos Missile Deal as Russia’s Nod Awaited

India and Indonesia are on the verge of sealing a landmark defence agreement for the export of the BrahMos supersonic cruise missile system, with final approval awaited from Russia – India’s co-development partner in the project.

According to defence sources, negotiations between BrahMos Aerospace and the Indonesian government have been completed, and the deal is now in its final stage. Once Moscow grants formal clearance, the agreement is expected to be signed, making Indonesia the second Southeast Asian nation – after the Philippines – to procure the high-speed missile system.

The proposed deal, estimated to be worth around USD 450 million (approximately ₹3,700 crore), involves the supply of shore- and ship-based variants of the BrahMos missile. With a strike range of nearly 290 kilometres and a top speed of Mach 2.8, the missile provides a formidable boost to coastal defence and maritime strike capabilities.

Experts view this development as a major step forward for India’s defence export ambitions under the ‘Atmanirbhar Bharat’ initiative. The agreement also highlights India’s growing influence in the Indo-Pacific region, strengthening security cooperation with key partners like Indonesia amid evolving regional power dynamics.

The BrahMos missile, jointly developed by India’s Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO) and Russia’s NPO Mashinostroyenia, has gained global attention for its speed, precision, and versatility. Its export success with the Philippines in 2022 set the stage for broader international demand.

If the Indonesia deal materialises, it will mark another milestone for India’s defence manufacturing sector and reaffirm the country’s position as an emerging global arms exporter. The move also underscores Jakarta’s intent to modernise its coastal defence network to safeguard its maritime borders and strategic sea lanes.

With both New Delhi and Jakarta aligned on terms, only Russia’s formal consent remains before the contract is inked – a step that could soon open a new era of India–Indonesia strategic defence cooperation.