India, Russia, and Indonesia have agreed on the pricing for a $450 million BrahMos missile deal, enhancing Indonesia’s military capabilities. The agreement culminates years of negotiations and involves technology transfers to ensure the supply of spare parts. This marks a significant stride in India’s defense export ambitions, with Indonesia becoming the second international customer of the BrahMos system after the Philippines.
India, Russia, and Indonesia have finalized the pricing for the BrahMos cruise missile supply to the Indonesian armed forces, ahead of President Prabowo Subianto’s upcoming visit to New Delhi for the Republic Day celebrations. Negotiations for this deal have spanned over seven years, involving significant discussions amongst the three countries, particularly concerning technology transfer and financing arrangements. The agreed deal amounts to $450 million, pending finalization of formal procedures on both the Indian and Russian sides.
The BrahMos missile, a product of Indo-Russian collaboration, will see Indonesia as its second foreign customer after the Philippines, which recently acquired three missile batteries. This deal underscores India’s aspirations to elevate its status as a major defense exporter within the international arena. Furthermore, a previous agreement with the Philippines showcases a growing partnership in defense hardware exports.
Indonesia’s demand for technology transfers stems from concerns over procurement delays for Russian military equipment, exacerbated by the ongoing war in Ukraine. This request highlights Indonesia’s desire for self-sufficiency in maintaining the missile systems, ensuring access to necessary spare parts and components. The impact of the COVID-19 pandemic has also hindered progress on the proposed agreement.
The BrahMos missile, named after the Brahmaputra and Moskva rivers, is a key component of India’s defense technology exports developed in collaboration with Russia. Indonesia has significantly strengthened its maritime cooperation with India, particularly in naval exercises and security initiatives within the Indian Ocean region. The importance of this deal lies not only in defense collaboration but also in fostering strategic partnerships, particularly as regional dynamics in maritime security evolve. President Prabowo’s potential agreements could further enhance military ties between India and Indonesia.
The agreement on the BrahMos missile pricing marks a significant step towards strengthening defense relations between India and Indonesia. With an established deal valued at $450 million, Indonesia will enhance its military capabilities while supporting India’s growing role in global defense exports. Continued collaborations and technology transfers will be crucial for sustainable military cooperation moving forward, especially given the recent challenges related to spare parts acquisition in the context of geopolitical strife.
Original Source: www.hindustantimes.com
