Indonesia eyes $200 million BrahMos deal, plans Astra missile purchase from India

Prime Minister Narendra Modi‘s visit to Jakarta has resulted in major strategic gains, with India and Indonesia signing agreements in principle for the procurement of India’s BrahMos supersonic cruise missile and Astra beyond-visual-range air-to-air missile, while also agreeing to jointly develop the strategically located Sabang Port.

Under the defence agreements, Indonesia plans to acquire the 300-km-range BrahMos surface-to-surface and air-launched missile system, along with the indigenous Astra air-to-air missile, marking a significant boost to India’s defence exports and bilateral military cooperation.

Indonesia had initially planned to procure one BrahMos battery with 12 missiles for around $100 million. However, the latest agreement envisages the purchase of two missile batteries worth approximately $200 million. Jakarta has also agreed to acquire Astra missiles, which will be integrated into its Su-30 fighter fleet, with the final quantity and contract details expected to be finalised in subsequent negotiations.

The two countries also agreed to jointly develop Sabang Port in Aceh, located at the entrance to the strategically vital Malacca Strait and just 160 km from India’s Great Nicobar Project, including the proposed transshipment hub at Campbell Bay.

The Malacca Strait is among the world’s busiest maritime trade routes, carrying over 23 million barrels of oil daily and facilitating an estimated $3-7 trillion in annual trade. Enhanced cooperation at Sabang is expected to strengthen maritime security and improve monitoring of one of the world’s most critical sea lanes.

Since 2014, India has steadily expanded its strategic partnership with Indonesia, recognising its importance as Southeast Asia’s largest nation and its control over key maritime chokepoints, including the Malacca, Sunda, Lombok and Ombai-Wetar straits.

With both countries seeking a stable and secure Indo-Pacific, New Delhi and Jakarta are expected to deepen defence and maritime cooperation further through coast guard coordination, joint security initiatives and expanded military engagement.