India secures major missile deal with Indonesia, Modi begins Jakarta visit

The defence package, estimated to be worth approximately $630 million, is expected to be finalized during Modi’s visit. Once signed, Indonesia will become the third country to purchase

JAKARTA: India is set to strengthen its defence partnership with Indonesia through a major agreement to supply BrahMos supersonic cruise missiles and Astra air-to-air missiles, according to an Indian government official, as Prime Minister Narendra Modi began a two-day official visit to Jakarta on Tuesday.

The defence package, estimated to be worth approximately $630 million, is expected to be finalized during Modi’s visit. Once signed, Indonesia will become the third country to purchase the BrahMos missile system, following earlier agreements with the Philippines and Vietnam.

The BrahMos missile, jointly developed by India and Russia, is regarded as one of the world’s fastest supersonic cruise missiles and can be launched from land, sea, and air platforms. The agreement also includes Astra beyond-visual-range air-to-air missiles, which are compatible with the Indonesian Air Force’s Russian-made Sukhoi fighter aircraft.

The proposed deal is expected to significantly expand India’s defence exports while reinforcing strategic cooperation with Southeast Asia’s largest economy amid increasing geopolitical competition in the Indo-Pacific region.

According to officials familiar with the negotiations, the agreement is likely to include missile systems, supporting infrastructure, operator training, maintenance services, and long-term technical assistance. Discussions are also focused on a phased acquisition plan that would enable Indonesia to gradually enhance its missile capabilities over time.

Indonesia had earlier announced in March that it had reached an understanding with India to procure the BrahMos missile system, with initial estimates placing the deal’s value between $200 million and $350 million. The latest developments suggest the scope of the agreement has expanded considerably.

During his visit, Prime Minister Modi is scheduled to hold talks with Indonesian President Prabowo Subianto on maritime security, defence industry collaboration, regional connectivity, and broader strategic cooperation in the Indo-Pacific.

Economic ties between the two nations have also continued to grow. Bilateral trade reached $28.15 billion during the 2024–25 fiscal year, making Indonesia India’s second-largest trading partner within the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN).