Jakarta/Delhi: Indonesia and India have signed a landmark contract for the supply of coastal batteries of the BrahMos supersonic cruise missile, a move set to deepen defence ties and bolster Jakarta’s maritime capabilities.
The agreement covers the procurement of coastal variants of the BrahMos system, designed for shore-based anti-ship operations.
The BrahMos, jointly developed by India’s Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO) and Russia’s NPO Mashinostroyenia, is the world’s fastest supersonic cruise missile, capable of speeds up to Mach 3. Export versions of the missile have a capped range of 290 km, in line with international guidelines.
Indonesia’s acquisition reflects its ongoing naval modernization efforts, particularly the integration of sea-launched capabilities for its warships.
The deal follows extensive negotiations that gained momentum during high-level engagements, including discussions at the India-Indonesia Defense Ministers’ Dialogue in late 2025. With this procurement, Indonesia becomes the second Southeast Asian country to acquire the BrahMos, following the Philippines.
In January 2022, Manila signed a $375 million contract for three shore-based BrahMos batteries, with deliveries starting in 2024. The system has since been described by Philippine military leaders as a ‘game-changer’ in coastal defense, prompting discussions of further acquisitions. The Philippines deal marked India’s first major BrahMos export, setting a precedent for regional interest.
For India, these agreements align with a strategic push to expand its defense industry footprint in the Indo-Pacific, offering an alternative to traditional suppliers amid shifting geopolitical dynamics. For Jakarta, the procurement diversifies defense sourcing and strengthens maritime security across the country’s extensive archipelago.
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