India and Indonesia deepen defense partnership with BrahMos and Astra pacts

In this screenshot from a video released on December 1, 2025, an Indian Army BrahMos during a combat launch over the Bay of Bengal. Photo: @IaSouthern/X via PTI Photo

India and Indonesia have reached an agreement in principle to procure an additional battery of BrahMos supersonic missile system and Astra Mk-1 non-visual range air-to-air missiles, marking another milestone in the growing defense partnership between the two countries.

Read updates from PM Modi in Indonesia on July 7, 2026

A senior government official who confirmed the development said the arrangements reflected the intention of both parties to pursue acquisitions, with detailed business negotiations and contracts now to be drawn up.

Another BrahMos battery

“Indonesia previously agreed to acquire one BrahMos battery and has now decided to acquire one more. The latest agreement expands the scope of the proposed deal with the exact quantity and contractual details to be finalized in the next phase of negotiations,” the official added.

The two countries also reached an umbrella agreement to acquire Astra Mk-1 beyond-visual-range air-to-air missiles for Indonesia’s fleet of Su-30 fighter jets. The number of missiles to be acquired will be determined during contract negotiations, the official added.

During the visit of PM

The agreements were finalized during Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s visit to Indonesia following sustained engagement between the two countries. Indonesian Defense Minister Sjafrie Sjamsoeddin visited India in November 2025 to discuss the BrahMos missile deal, paving the way for the current understanding.

Under the proposed arrangement, Bharat Dynamics Limited (BDL), which manufactures the Astra missile, will integrate the weapon system with the Indonesian Air Force’s Su-30 fighter jets. The Astra Mk-1 is already in operational service with the Indian Air Force and is powered by a solid rocket motor that offers a range of approximately 80-110 kilometers.

The Astra Mk-2, a variant of the original air-to-air missile with a longer range beyond visual range, is in the final stages of development and flight testing. The missile has already received clearance from the Defense Acquisition Council (DAC), paving the way for its eventual commissioning after successful completion of trials.

Co-developed by India’s Defense Research and Development Organization (DRDO) and Russia’s NPO Mashinostroyenia, the BrahMos missile has a range of over 290 kilometers and a speed of up to Mach 2.8.

Strengthens defense exports

This development further strengthens India’s defense export ambitions. India is currently preparing to deliver the third and final shipment of BrahMos missiles to the Philippines under a $375 million contract signed in 2022, while talks are also underway with Vietnam, Malaysia and several other countries to potentially export the missile system.

Defense experts believe that the successful operational use of the BrahMos missile during Operation Sindoor, where it accurately hit Pakistani air bases, has significantly boosted international confidence in India’s defense manufacturing capabilities.

Published – July 7, 2026 12:40 PM IST