Indonesia Signs Deal with India to Purchase BrahMos Missile System

New Delhi, March 2026 : Indonesia has signed an agreement with India to procure the BrahMos missile, marking a significant step in strengthening defence cooperation between the two countries and enhancing Jakarta’s maritime security capabilities.

Confirming the development, Rico Ricardo Sirait said the agreement forms part of Indonesia’s broader strategy to modernise its military hardware and upgrade defence capabilities, particularly in the maritime domain. The deal reflects Indonesia’s growing focus on strengthening naval deterrence and safeguarding its vast territorial waters.

The missile system is produced by BrahMos Aerospace, a defence enterprise jointly owned by the governments of India and Russia. Negotiations between India and Indonesia regarding the missile sale had been underway for several years. The discussions gained momentum during a series of high-level engagements, including talks held during the India–Indonesia Defence Ministers’ Dialogue 2025.

With this agreement, Indonesia becomes the second international buyer of the BrahMos missile system after the Philippines. In January 2022, Manila signed a $375 million contract with India to acquire three shore-based anti-ship BrahMos missile batteries. Deliveries under that agreement began in 2024, and the Philippine military has described the system as a “game-changer” for its coastal defence capabilities. The successful implementation of the Philippines deal also increased interest in the missile system among other countries in the region.

The BrahMos missile is one of the most advanced supersonic cruise missiles in the world. It can be launched from multiple platforms, including submarines, naval warships, aircraft, and land-based launchers. The missile has been jointly developed by India and Russia and is currently deployed by the Indian Armed Forces, including the army, navy, and air force.

The system has gained global attention for its high speed, precision, and versatility. It is equipped with advanced guidance and control systems that enable high-velocity flight stability and accurate targeting in the terminal phase of its trajectory.

The missile’s operational effectiveness was recently demonstrated during Operation Sindoor, a four-day conflict in which the weapon was reportedly used in strikes targeting Pakistani air bases and military infrastructure.

Following its performance, India’s Ministry of Defence India approved additional orders for BrahMos missile systems for the Indian Navy as well as ground- and air-launched variants for the Indian Air Force.

Under the expansion plan, the Indian Navy intends to deploy the missile on its Veer-class corvette vessels, while the Indian Air Force has already integrated the system with its Sukhoi Su-30MKI fleet.

Defence analysts believe the Indonesia deal could further strengthen India’s position as a growing exporter in the global defence market while deepening strategic ties with Southeast Asian nations.