India Approaches Finalization of $450 Million BrahMos Missile Deal with Indonesia
India is close to securing a significant $450 million agreement with Indonesia for the supply of the BrahMos supersonic cruise missile system, according to senior defence insiders. This deal is positioned to enhance India's expanding defence export portfolio.
The contract, which is nearing completion, would represent India's second major export of the BrahMos missile, following a similar arrangement with the Philippines. The finalisation of this deal awaits approval from Russia, India's partner in the joint development of the missile through a collaboration between DRDO and NPO Mashinostroyenia.
Negotiations between India and Indonesia have been ongoing for several years, experiencing substantial progress following Indonesian President Prabowo Subianto's visit to India in January 2025. Both nations agreed to bolster defence cooperation during this state visit. The subsequent visit by India's Chief of Defence Staff, Gen. Anil Chauhan, to Jakarta further deepened strategic ties and facilitated the near-finalisation of the missile agreement.
Earlier in the year, both countries endorsed a new Defence Cooperation Agreement and expanded their partnership through the Joint Defence Cooperation Committee, concentrating on defence production, technology transfer, and supply-chain integration.
This development follows a landmark ₹3,500 crore ($420 million) BrahMos export deal with the Philippines in 2022, through which India has already dispatched the initial two missile system batches. This transaction was pivotal in enhancing the maritime security and deterrence capabilities of the Philippines in the Indo-Pacific region.
The prospective deal with Indonesia is expected to further affirm India's role as a reliable defence exporter and deepen New Delhi's strategic presence in Southeast Asia, particularly in light of mutual security challenges in the South China Sea.
The BrahMos missile, with its ability to travel at speeds between Mach 2.8 and 3.0 and hit targets over a range exceeding 450 km, has demonstrated its accuracy and effectiveness in various scenarios. The system reportedly saw use during the India–Pakistan conflict in May 2025, which has contributed to its international repute.
Defence Minister Rajnath Singh recently stated that India has secured missile export agreements worth almost ₹4,000 crore ($450–455 million) with two friendly nations, with Indonesia believed to be one of them.
The impending deal with Indonesia supports India's ‘Atmanirbhar Bharat’ initiative and its goal to become a leading global defence exporter. Countries such as Vietnam, Malaysia, Thailand, Saudi Arabia, and the UAE have shown interest in acquiring the BrahMos system, highlighting its increasing demand as a high-speed, precision-strike weapon.
As the contract with Indonesia nears completion, India is set to reach another significant milestone in its pursuit of self-sufficiency and strategic influence in the Indo-Pacific. This accomplishment will bolster India's status as a regional security partner and a pivotal defence manufacturing centre.
