New Delhi and Jakarta on Tuesday formalised defence contracts for India’s BrahMos supersonic cruise missile and the Astra beyond‑visual‑range air‑to‑air missile, a move officials said will strengthen bilateral ties and promote a “free, open and transparent” Indo‑Pacific order.
India’s Ministry of Defence announced that Indonesia will acquire a batch of BrahMos missiles for its navy, while the Indian defence‑export agency Bharat Dynamics Limited will supply Astra missiles for the Indonesian Air Force. The agreements were signed during a joint meeting between Indian Defence Minister Rajnath Singh and Indonesian President Prabowo Subianto in New Delhi.
President Prabowo said the two countries share a common vision of an Indo‑Pacific region governed by international law and based on order rather than domination. “We want an Indo‑Pacific that is open, transparent and respects the rule‑based international system,” he told reporters after the ceremony.
The BrahMos, co‑developed by India’s DRDO and Russia’s NPO Mashinostroyenia, is capable of striking surface targets at speeds up to Mach 3. The Astra, a domestically produced missile, is designed to engage aerial threats at ranges beyond 100 km. Both systems are seen as force multipliers for Indonesia’s expanding maritime and air defence capabilities.
Analysts note that the deals come as both nations seek to counterbalance China’s growing military presence in the region. India has been deepening security cooperation with Southeast Asian countries through the “Act East” policy, while Indonesia has pursued a more diversified defence procurement strategy after years of reliance on Western equipment.
The contracts also reflect broader economic interests. India’s defence exports have risen sharply in recent years, and the agreements are expected to generate significant revenue for Indian firms. For Indonesia, acquiring advanced missiles from a fellow emerging market may reduce dependence on traditional suppliers and align with its “Made in Indonesia” defence indigenisation goals.
The transactions are subject to standard regulatory clearances in both countries. Details of the quantities and financial terms were not disclosed.
Analysis: The missile deals underscore a strategic shift toward deeper defence collaboration between India and Indonesia, two of the largest democracies in the Indo‑Pacific. By sharing high‑end weapon systems, both governments aim to bolster deterrence capabilities while signalling a united front on rules‑based order. The timing aligns with heightened naval activity by China in the South China Sea, suggesting that the partnership is as much about geopolitical signaling as it is about meeting operational needs. However, the long‑term impact will depend on how Indonesia integrates these platforms into its existing force structure and whether the cooperation expands to joint exercises or technology transfers beyond the current sales.
Sources
– Hindustan Times, “India, Indonesia seal BrahMos, Astra missile deals; deepen strategic partnership,” https://www.hindustantimes.com/india-news/india-indonesia-seal-brahmos-astra-missile-deals-deepen-strategic-partnership-101783411275818.html
Story synopsis gathered from: Hindustan Times – India News — source
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