Indonesia is considering expanding its planned procurement of India’s BrahMos supersonic cruise missile system, with discussions on purchasing additional missile batteries expected to take center stage during Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s visit to Jakarta beginning July 6.
Sources suggest that Indonesian authorities have indicated their intention to procure more than the single BrahMos battery included in the preliminary agreement reached in March. The move reflects Jakarta’s continued focus on enhancing maritime defence capabilities in response to changing security conditions across the Indo-Pacific.
Each BrahMos coastal defence battery consists of mobile launch platforms, advanced surveillance and fire-control radars, command-and-control infrastructure, and long-range supersonic missiles designed to engage hostile surface vessels.
The proposal originated during the Defence Cooperation Dialogue held in New Delhi in November 2025, when Defence Minister Rajnath Singh and his Indonesian counterpart, Sjafrie Sjamsoeddin, discussed expanding bilateral defence cooperation. Indonesia’s Defence Ministry subsequently confirmed that the BrahMos procurement forms a key component of its military modernization strategy, particularly for maritime security.
Officials from both nations are reportedly working on a phased acquisition framework that could eventually result in Indonesia deploying multiple BrahMos coastal defence batteries. The export version of the missile will continue to adhere to India’s MTCR commitments, restricting its operational range to around 290 kilometers.
Beyond the missile programme, India has proposed establishing a Joint Defence Industry Cooperation Committee to promote defence manufacturing partnerships, technology transfer, joint research, and industrial collaboration. Indonesia is also exploring financing solutions through a domestic financial institution to facilitate the phased procurement.
An expanded order from Indonesia would represent another milestone for India’s growing defence export sector. Following the US$375 million BrahMos agreement with the Philippines in 2022 and subsequent deliveries in 2024, the missile has become a cornerstone of India’s export portfolio. Reports also suggest Vietnam is advancing plans to acquire the system, further boosting BrahMos’ presence across Southeast Asia.
Although Indonesia is not directly involved in South China Sea territorial disputes, it remains committed to protecting its maritime interests, particularly around the Natuna Islands, where Chinese maritime activities have periodically heightened regional tensions. Strengthening its coastal missile defences would improve its ability to deter potential threats and secure its vast archipelagic territory. The expanding BrahMos programme also underscores India’s growing influence as a defence supplier and strategic partner in promoting regional security and defence cooperation across the Indo-Pacific.
