TEMPO.CO, Jakarta – Indonesia has agreed to purchase two Indian-made missile systems. The agreements were reached during Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi's visit to Jakarta on July 7, when he held talks with President Prabowo Subianto at the Merdeka Palace.
Although the government has not disclosed the value of the contracts or delivery schedules, the deals are among the most notable defense agreements signed by Indonesia and India in recent years and could mark a major addition to Indonesia's missile arsenal.
What Weapons Is Indonesia Buying?
Indonesia will acquire the BrahMos supersonic cruise missile and the Astra beyond-visual-range air-to-air missile.
The BrahMos missile is produced by BrahMos Aerospace, a joint venture between India and Russia. It is regarded as one of the world's fastest operational supersonic cruise missiles and is capable of being launched from land, sea, air, and submarine platforms.
Meanwhile, the Astra missile is an indigenous Indian air-to-air missile developed for fighter aircraft engagements beyond visual range. The missile is produced by Bharat Dynamics Limited.
The BrahMos procurement agreement was signed between BrahMos Aerospace and Indonesia's Ministry of Defense, while the Astra missile contract was signed by Bharat Dynamics Limited and Indonesian defense company Republikorp.
Why Is Indonesia Procuring the Missiles?
Brigadier General Rico Ricardo Sirait, head of the Defense Ministry's Information Bureau, said the acquisition is intended to support the operational requirements of the Indonesian Military (TNI).
According to Rico, the procurement process has undergone comprehensive planning, strategic studies, and evaluations.
"The objective is to strengthen national defense capabilities, increase deterrence, and safeguard Indonesia's sovereignty and national interests," Rico told Tempo on Saturday, July 11.
The acquisition also reflects Jakarta's broader efforts to modernize its armed forces amid growing security challenges in the Indo-Pacific region and increasing competition among major powers.
Contract Details Remain Confidential
The Indonesian government has not disclosed details regarding the number of missiles ordered, the value of the contracts, delivery schedules, or deployment plans.
Rico said such information remains classified due to national security considerations and military strategy.
"We cannot disclose contract details, including implementation timelines, quantities, contract values, or delivery schedules," he said.
He added that decisions regarding the deployment and operational use of the BrahMos and Astra missile systems would fall under the authority of the TNI.
The TNI has yet to provide further details regarding where the systems will be stationed or how they will be integrated into Indonesia's existing defense structure.
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