India’s BrahMos Deal with Indonesia: Strategic Interests and Regional Implications

India’s recent defense cooperation with Indonesia, highlighted by the sale of the BrahMos supersonic cruise missile system, marks a critical development in the evolving security architecture of the Indo-Pacific. As of February 2025, the two nations have finalized a deal for the delivery of the BrahMos system, making Indonesia the second foreign country to acquire this advanced weapon after the Philippines. This agreement is far more than a simple arms deal; it reflects shared security interests in the region, growing strategic cooperation between India and Indonesia, and a significant step in India’s defense export strategy. For Indonesia, the BrahMos system represents a vital enhancement of its maritime defense capabilities at a time of rising tensions in the South China Sea.

The BrahMos missile, jointly developed by India’s Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO) and Russia’s NPO Mashinostroyeniya, is one of the fastest and most versatile cruise missiles in the world. Capable of traveling at speeds of up to Mach 3 and with a range of around 400 kilometers (recently extended to 500 kilometers), it can be launched from land, sea, and air platforms. Its precision, speed, and low-altitude trajectory make it particularly effective against enemy ships and surface targets, giving it a decisive edge in maritime conflict scenarios. For a country like Indonesia, which is made up of over 17,000 islands and has one of the longest coastlines in the world, acquiring the BrahMos is a significant boost to its maritime security.

The decision to purchase the BrahMos was driven by multiple factors. First, Indonesia’s strategic geography places it at the crossroads of major sea lanes that connect the Indian and Pacific Oceans. The Malacca Strait, one of the world’s busiest shipping routes, passes through Indonesian waters, making it a critical chokepoint for global trade and energy flows. This strategic location is both an asset and a vulnerability for Indonesia. While it enhances Indonesia’s geopolitical importance, it also exposes the country to a range of security threats, including piracy, illegal fishing, and potential encroachment by foreign powers.

Indonesia’s growing concerns about China’s assertiveness in the South China Sea have also played a role in its decision to strengthen its military capabilities. Although Indonesia is not a claimant in the territorial disputes over the South China Sea, it has had several confrontations with Chinese vessels near the Natuna Islands, which lie within Indonesia’s exclusive economic zone (EEZ). These incidents have highlighted the need for Indonesia to improve its maritime defense and deterrence capabilities. The BrahMos missile, with its high speed and precision strike capability, is seen as a crucial addition to Indonesia’s defense arsenal, capable of protecting key maritime areas and reinforcing its sovereign claims.

For India, the deal with Indonesia aligns with its broader strategy of deepening defense ties with Southeast Asian countries and positioning itself as a net security provider in the Indo-Pacific. Over the past decade, India has sought to expand its defense exports as part of its “Make in India” initiative and to strengthen its regional influence. The BrahMos missile has emerged as a flagship product of India’s defense export push, symbolizing the country’s growing capability to produce and export advanced military technology. The successful delivery of the BrahMos to the Philippines in 2023 paved the way for additional deals with other Southeast Asian countries, with Indonesia being the next logical step.

India’s defense partnership with Indonesia has steadily grown over the years. Both countries share common concerns about maritime security and have participated in joint naval exercises and coordinated patrols in the Indian Ocean. The BrahMos deal is a natural extension of this cooperation, reflecting the deepening trust and alignment of strategic interests between the two nations. By selling the BrahMos to Indonesia, India is also sending a strong signal to other countries in the region that it is willing to support their defense needs in the face of growing security challenges.

Russia’s role in the BrahMos program cannot be ignored. Although the missile is jointly developed by India and Russia, the export of the BrahMos requires the approval of both countries. Russia has consistently supported India’s efforts to export the missile to friendly nations, recognizing the strategic benefits of expanding its influence in the Indo-Pacific. Moscow’s approval of the deal with Indonesia indicates that it sees Indonesia as a stable and reliable partner. This cooperation also underscores the continued strength of the India-Russia defense partnership, even as India diversifies its defense procurement and export strategies.

However, the deal is not without its challenges. Exporting advanced military technology always involves certain risks, particularly when the recipient country faces significant security threats. Ensuring that the BrahMos system is properly maintained and integrated into Indonesia’s existing defense network will require extensive training and technical support. India has committed to providing this support, but the success of the deployment will depend on Indonesia’s ability to absorb and operate such a sophisticated system.

Another potential challenge lies in the geopolitical implications of the deal. China is likely to view Indonesia’s acquisition of the BrahMos with suspicion, interpreting it as part of a broader strategy to contain its influence in the region. China has already expressed concerns about India’s growing defense ties with Southeast Asia, particularly in light of India’s increased engagement with the Quad—a strategic grouping that includes the United States, Japan, and Australia. The BrahMos deal may further complicate India-China relations, adding another layer of tension to an already complex bilateral relationship.

From Indonesia’s perspective, balancing its relations with China and India will be a delicate task. While Indonesia values its strategic partnership with India, it also maintains strong economic ties with China. China is Indonesia’s largest trading partner and a significant source of investment, particularly in infrastructure projects. Navigating this complex relationship will require careful diplomacy to avoid alienating either partner while securing Indonesia’s national interests.

Domestically, the BrahMos deal has been well-received in both India and Indonesia. In India, it is seen as a major success for the country’s defense export strategy and a testament to its growing technological prowess. For Indonesia, the acquisition of the BrahMos is a clear demonstration of its commitment to strengthening its military and safeguarding its maritime interests. It also reflects a broader trend in Southeast Asia, where countries are increasingly investing in advanced military technology to counter growing security threats.

As of February 2025, the delivery schedule for the BrahMos system is being finalized, with the first units expected to arrive in Indonesia later this year. Training programs for Indonesian military personnel have already begun, with Indian defense officials working closely with their Indonesian counterparts to ensure the smooth integration of the system. The deployment of the BrahMos is likely to be focused on key strategic locations, such as the Natuna Islands and other areas along Indonesia’s maritime boundaries.

In the broader context of Indo-Pacific security, the BrahMos deal represents a significant step in shaping the regional balance of power. It reflects the growing willingness of Southeast Asian nations to enhance their military capabilities and seek new defense partnerships beyond their traditional allies. For India, the deal is a reminder of its growing role as a key player in the Indo-Pacific and a recognition of its ability to contribute to regional security. As Indonesia operationalizes the BrahMos, the full impact of this deal will unfold in the years to come, shaping not just the defense capabilities of both nations but also the broader strategic dynamics of the Indo-Pacific.

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References

1. Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO). (2025). BrahMos Program Overview and Capabilities. New Delhi: DRDO.
2. Ministry of Defence, Government of India. (2025). India’s Defence Export Strategy 2023–2025. New Delhi: Ministry of Defence.
3. Indonesian Navy. (2025). Strategic Maritime Security Report. Jakarta: Indonesian Ministry of Defence.
4. Russian Federal Service for Military-Technical Cooperation. (2025). Export Authorization and Joint Development Programs. Moscow: FSMTC.