Indonesia’s BrahMos Missile Deal: Current Status and Future Prospects
The BrahMos missile deal between India and Indonesia is still under negotiation, contrary to some reports suggesting it has been finalized. Sources indicate that no formal agreement has been signed yet, despite ongoing discussions. The deal, valued at approximately Rs 3,800 crore, faces several unresolved issues, particularly concerning technology transfer. However, Indonesia’s interest in acquiring the BrahMos missile remains strong, and both nations are actively working towards finalizing the agreement.
Push for the BrahMos Missile
Indonesia’s interest in the BrahMos missile is significantly influenced by President Prabowo Subianto, a former defence minister and a strong advocate for modernizing the country’s military capabilities. He recognizes the strategic importance of acquiring advanced weaponry, particularly the BrahMos missile, to enhance Indonesia’s defence posture. The missile’s speed, precision, and lethal strike capability align well with Indonesia’s broader defence strategy, especially amid growing security concerns in the Indo-Pacific region, particularly in the South China Sea.
The air-launched version of the BrahMos missile is particularly appealing to the Indonesian Air Force. It would serve as a powerful tool to protect the nation’s extensive maritime territory. The missile would complement Indonesia’s existing defence assets, including Russian-made SU-27 fighter jets and Kilo-class submarines, thereby strengthening the country’s overall military capabilities. As Indonesia continues to modernize its defence forces, the BrahMos missile stands out as a key component in achieving these goals.
In the coming weeks, a high-level Indonesian defence delegation will visit India to discuss the missile purchase further. This visit is crucial for advancing the negotiations and exploring additional avenues for defence cooperation. Both nations are committed to strengthening their military ties, which could lead to a more robust partnership in the defence sector.
Beyond BrahMos
While the BrahMos missile is a focal point of discussions, the Indonesian delegation will also explore collaboration in other defence areas. Senior Indian officials have noted that shipbuilding is a significant area of interest for Indonesia. The country has a pressing demand for vessels for its Coast Guard and Navy, making India an ideal partner due to its growing expertise in shipbuilding.
Additionally, discussions have included potential collaboration in aircraft carrier construction. Indonesia aims to work with India to build an aircraft carrier, further enhancing its naval capabilities. These discussions align with Indonesia’s broader strategy to modernize and expand its military infrastructure to address regional security challenges effectively.
During a recent visit by President Prabowo Subianto to India, both nations engaged in extensive talks on defence cooperation. Indian officials emphasized the importance of increasing coordination between the two countries. Topics included joint exercises, training exchanges, and the maintenance of shared defence platforms. Although no concrete agreements were reached on specific defence projects, the talks underscored the growing defence partnership between India and Indonesia.
Challenges in Finalizing the BrahMos Deal
One of the primary challenges in finalizing the BrahMos deal is the transfer of technology (ToT). This issue is common in defence agreements involving advanced systems, as countries seek to ensure they can independently maintain and operate the weapons they acquire. While Indonesia’s interest in the BrahMos missile is strong, both India and Russia are working to overcome these technical and logistical hurdles before the deal can be finalized.
The technology transfer process for the BrahMos missile is complex due to its dual-use nature, which involves both Indian and Russian technologies. However, negotiations are reportedly progressing, and a deal could be finalized soon. If successful, Indonesia would become the second ASEAN country to purchase the BrahMos missile from India, following the Philippines. The outcome of these negotiations will significantly impact the defence landscape in the region.
Source: financialexpress.com
