Is Indonesia Set to Become the Second Southeast Asian Nation to Acquire BrahMos Missiles?

(DEFENCE SECURITY ASIA) – Indonesia has reportedly been offered a US$450 million (RM2 billion) loan by India to purchase the BrahMos missile system, co-developed by India and Russia.

Indian media reports indicate that the loan for Indonesia’s BrahMos missile acquisition was proposed either by the State Bank of India or other Indian financial institutions.

Initially, the loan was to be channeled through India’s Exim Bank, but this plan fell through due to unresolved issues.

Local Indian media further suggest that the official announcement of Indonesia’s procurement of the BrahMos system could be made on January 26, during India’s Republic Day celebrations, where Indonesian President Prabowo Subianto is expected to be the guest of honor.

According to reports, the Indonesian government has formally expressed interest in India’s loan offer by sending a letter to the Indian embassy in Jakarta regarding the purchase of the missile system.

If Indonesia proceeds with the acquisition as speculated, it will become the second Southeast Asian nation, after the Philippines, to obtain the BrahMos missile system.

The Times of India reported that discussions on Indonesia’s potential procurement of the BrahMos system have been ongoing since Prabowo’s visit to New Delhi in 2020 when he served as Indonesia’s Defense Minister.

The BrahMos missile system is a joint venture between India’s Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO) and Russia’s NPO Mashinostroyenia (NPOM).

It is a supersonic cruise missile capable of traveling at speeds of Mach 2.8 to 3, and can be launched from warships, mobile launchers, or fighter aircraft.

With its supersonic speed and low radar signature, the BrahMos missile can strike targets up to 290 km away.

The extended-range variant can reach approximately 350 km. The missile carries a payload of around 300 kg.

The BrahMos missile is derived from Russia’s “Oniks” missile. Russia has maintained strong military ties with India for decades.

Currently, the Philippines is the only Southeast Asian country equipped with the BrahMos system, having signed a US$374 million (RM1.5 billion) contract with BrahMos Aerospace early last year for the coastal defense system variant.

The Philippines was the first international customer to acquire the BrahMos system, a product of the India-Russia collaboration.

The land-based variant is set to be deployed at strategic locations in the South China Sea, referred to as the West Philippine Sea by Manila.

The Philippine Marine Corps operates three BrahMos missile batteries, each consisting of two launchers, a radar system, and a command-and-control center.

The system is capable of launching two missiles within 10 seconds from submarines, warships, fighter jets, or ground-based launchers.

Recently, India and Vietnam are reportedly close to finalizing a US$700 million (RM3.14 billion) deal for the BrahMos missile system.

Both parties are said to be working out the details of the agreement, which is expected to be signed in the coming months.

Preliminary technical and commercial details have reportedly been shared and discussed with Vietnam’s Ministry of Defense.

Vietnam’s BrahMos missile acquisition is expected to serve both its Army and Navy. — DSA