India, Russia, and Indonesia have agreed on a $450 million deal to supply BrahMos cruise missiles, with the official announcement expected during President Prabowo’s visit. Negotiations have lasted over seven years, with further formalities still pending. The deal represents Indonesia’s commitment to enhancing its defense capabilities and signifies India’s growing role as a defense exporter in the region.
India, Russia, and Indonesia have finalized the pricing for the supply of BrahMos cruise missiles to the Indonesian military ahead of President Prabowo Subianto’s upcoming visit to New Delhi for the Republic Day celebrations. Negotiations between New Delhi and Jakarta regarding the missile, developed jointly by India and Russia, have been ongoing for over seven years. The agreed deal is valued at $450 million, with implications that the official announcement may coincide with Prabowo’s visit.
Despite reaching an agreement on pricing, there are still several formal processes that need to be completed by both the Indian and Russian sides, and the financing of the contract is yet to be finalized. Experts indicate that it may take several months before the deal is fully executed. If finalized, Indonesia will become the second international customer for the BrahMos missile, which has seen interest due to its advanced capabilities.
Prior to this deal, the Philippines had previously signed a contract worth $375 million to procure three batteries of BrahMos missiles, which bolstered India’s position as a defense hardware exporter. In light of recent geopolitical tensions, Indonesia has also expressed the need for technology transfer to secure a steady supply of spares and components for the missile systems.
The proposed deal’s progress was further influenced by complications stemming from the Covid-19 pandemic. A team from BrahMos Aerospace had previously visited Indonesia to explore the installation of the missile on local warships, showcasing India’s willingness to deepen defense ties. India has additionally offered coastal defense radars and support for Indonesian air force jets, highlighting the collaborative defense strategy between the two nations.
Under former President Joko Widodo, Indonesia enhanced its naval cooperation with India, prioritizing maritime security in the Indian Ocean region. With Prabowo Subianto likely continuing this trajectory of military and maritime collaboration, the relationship between India and Indonesia in defense matters is set to strengthen further.
The BrahMos missile deal involves collaborations between India and Russia, enhancing Indonesia’s defense capabilities amidst regional security concerns. Over the years, Indonesia’s insistence on technology transfer for the missile system reflects its desire to ensure self-sufficiency in defense, particularly in the wake of disruptions caused by geopolitical events such as the war in Ukraine. This emphasis on local capability is essential for maintaining operational readiness and support for its military assets.
In conclusion, the agreement on the BrahMos deal underscores the strengthening defense relationships between India, Russia, and Indonesia. The anticipated collaboration will bolster Indonesia’s military capabilities while highlighting India’s ongoing efforts to position itself as a significant exporter of defense technology. As these negotiations progress, it is evident that regional security dynamics will continue to shape military cooperation in the Indo-Pacific.
Original Source: www.hindustantimes.com
