India, Russia, and Indonesia have agreed on the pricing for BrahMos cruise missiles, valued at $450 million, following years of negotiations. President Prabowo Subianto is scheduled to visit New Delhi for Republic Day, where announcements regarding the deal may occur. The agreement represents a crucial step towards strengthening defense ties and collaboration.
India, Russia, and Indonesia have successfully reached an agreement on pricing for the supply of BrahMos cruise missiles to Indonesia’s military. This agreement was finalized just prior to President Prabowo Subianto’s planned visit to New Delhi as a distinguished guest for India’s Republic Day celebrations. The negotiations that began over seven years ago included involvement from Rosoboronexport, Russia’s state arms export agency, which is essential for all BrahMos agreements. The estimated value of the deal is $450 million, as disclosed by anonymous sources familiar with the discussions.
The official announcement regarding President Prabowo’s upcoming visit to India is expected on Thursday, with the possibility of a formal declaration concerning the BrahMos missile deal also being made during his visit. However, sources indicate that several procedural steps remain before finalization, including financing arrangements for the deal, which may mean that completion is several months away.
Upon execution of the contract, Indonesia will become the second international client to procure BrahMos missiles, following the Philippines, which previously entered a deal worth $375 million to acquire missile systems. This development bolsters India’s ambitions to be a key player in defense exports. Indonesian officials have also expressed a desire for technology transfer related to the missile, addressing concerns about potential supply chain issues, especially following challenges faced by other nations purchasing Russian military equipment during the ongoing conflict in Ukraine.
The deal has also faced setbacks due to the Covid-19 pandemic impact on negotiations. In 2018, a team from BrahMos Aerospace conducted assessments at PT PAL shipyard in Surabaya to determine the integration of these missiles on Indonesian naval vessels. Beyond the BrahMos agreement, India has offered additional defense technologies to Indonesia, including coastal defense radars and maintenance for Russian-made Su-30 aircraft used by the Indonesian Air Force.
Under the earlier administration of President Joko Widodo, Indonesia intensified its naval collaboration with India, focusing on maritime security in the Indian Ocean through joint exercises and warship port calls. The current minister, Prabowo Subianto, a former general, is anticipated to further enhance military and security partnerships between Indonesia and India.
The BrahMos missile system is a joint venture between India and Russia, designed to strengthen defense capabilities through advanced technology. As nations increasingly prioritize self-reliance in defense, Indonesia’s interest in the BrahMos reflects its strategic objectives in balancing regional military power. Moreover, the geopolitical climate, particularly Russia’s ongoing conflict in Ukraine and the resultant constraints on military supply chains, necessitates adaptation in procurement strategies for countries like Indonesia.
The agreement on BrahMos missile pricing emblematic of the growing defense ties between India, Russia, and Indonesia represents a significant leap toward enhanced military cooperation in the region. Despite the considerable challenges and prolonged negotiations, this acknowledgment of pricing sets the stage for formal collaborations and strategic partnerships that may redefine defense dynamics in Southeast Asia.
Original Source: www.hindustantimes.com
