India, Russia, and Indonesia have agreed on a $450 million deal for the supply of BrahMos cruise missiles to Indonesia’s armed forces. This agreement follows over seven years of negotiations, with an official announcement expected during President Prabowo Subianto’s visit to New Delhi for Republic Day celebrations. Several formal procedures remain, and financing is still being finalized, indicating the final deal may take months to complete.
India, Russia, and Indonesia have successfully reached an agreement on the pricing for the supply of BrahMos cruise missiles to Indonesia’s armed forces. This milestone has been achieved ahead of Indonesian President Prabowo Subianto’s visit to New Delhi as a distinguished guest for the Republic Day celebrations. Negotiations on this deal have been ongoing for over seven years, with Russian state organization Rosoboronexport actively involved in the discussions, as their approval is essential for all BrahMos transactions.
The three parties have settled on a contract valued at $450 million, as reported by reliable sources who wished to remain anonymous. An official announcement from the Indian government regarding President Prabowo’s visit is anticipated shortly, just prior to the Republic Day festivities on January 26. There may also be a formal announcement regarding the BrahMos missile transaction during his visit, signaling the progress made.
Although an agreement has been reached, several formalities remain to be completed by both India and Russia, while the financing of the contract is still being finalized. This indicates that the implementation of the final deal may take several additional months. Upon completion, Indonesia will officially become the second international buyer of the BrahMos missile, following the Philippines, which secured a deal worth $375 million for three missile batteries. This sale represents a significant achievement for India as it seeks to become a leading exporter of defense equipment.
Amid these negotiations, Indonesia has emphasized the necessity of receiving technology transfers related to the missile to ensure a reliable supply of spare parts and components. This demand arose from previous experiences faced by other countries, which encountered delays in obtaining spare parts for Russian military equipment amidst ongoing geopolitical tensions, particularly due to Russia’s conflict with Ukraine. Additionally, the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic has further complicated the proposed deal with Indonesia.
In 2018, a team from BrahMos Aerospace assessed the potential installation of the missile on Indonesian warships at the PT PAL shipyard in Surabaya. Alongside the BrahMos missile system, India has extended offers to supply coastal defense radar technology, marine-grade steel, and servicing for the Indonesian Air Force’s Russian-made Su-30 combat aircraft. Under former President Joko Widodo’s administration, Indonesia significantly enhanced its naval cooperation with India, focusing on maritime security initiatives throughout the Indian Ocean domain. President Prabowo is expected to sustain and further this military and maritime collaboration with India.
The BrahMos missile system has been jointly developed by India and Russia, representing a major advancement in defense technology. The ongoing negotiations between India and Indonesia have been prolonged, reflecting the complexities of international arms deals and the strategic interests of the countries involved. Indonesia’s focus on enhancing its defense capabilities and securing reliable supply chains for military equipment has become increasingly pertinent in light of recent geopolitical developments, particularly those involving Russia.
The recent consensus on pricing for the BrahMos missile deal marks a significant step forward in India, Russia, and Indonesia’s defense collaboration. This agreement not only underscores the strategic military ties between these nations but also highlights Indonesia’s commitment to enhancing its defense capabilities. The anticipation of formal announcements during President Prabowo’s visit may set a positive trajectory for future defense partnerships.
Original Source: www.hindustantimes.com
