Our Bureau
New Delhi
Indonesia has signed a key agreement to buy BrahMos supersonic cruise missiles from India. This makes it the second country in the world to get the weapon, after the Philippines.
Indonesia’s defence ministry spokesperson, Rico Ricardo Sirait, shared the news on Monday. He called the deal part of a big push to update military gear, mainly for sea forces. Talks started in 2023, with the cost eyed at $200 million to $350 million, though exact figures are not out yet.
BrahMos comes from a joint venture between India’s DRDO and Russia’s NPO Mashinostroyeniya. It flies at Mach 3 speed, three times faster than sound, with a range of 350-400 km. The missile can launch from ships, land, planes or subs, carrying a 200-300 kg warhead. It uses fire-and-forget guidance for high accuracy, within 1-2 meters.
India first sold BrahMos to the Philippines in 2022. Last year, it sent the first batch there. Now, with Indonesia on board, India’s defence exports are growing fast. The missile proved its power in past fights, hitting targets with precision.
This deal boosts ties between India and Indonesia. It helps Jakarta guard its vast seas amid rising tensions. For India, it shows strength in global arms sales under Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s push for “Make in India.”
