India and Indonesia have taken a significant step towards strengthening their strategic and defence partnership, with Jakarta expressing its intent to procure BrahMos supersonic cruise missiles and Astra beyond-visual-range air-to-air missiles from India. The understanding was reached during Prime Minister Narendra Modi's visit to Indonesia, where the two countries signed agreements signalling their intention in principle to move forward with the proposed defence acquisitions. The discussions also included plans for joint development of the strategically located Sabang-Aceh Port, underscoring the growing maritime cooperation between the two Indo-Pacific partners.
According to details emerging from the agreements, Indonesia plans to acquire two batteries of the BrahMos supersonic missile system along with associated missiles at an estimated cost of around USD 200 million. Earlier proposals had envisaged the purchase of one battery and 12 missiles for approximately USD 100 million. The latest understanding effectively doubles the planned acquisition, reflecting Jakarta's increasing emphasis on strengthening its coastal defence capabilities. The BrahMos missile, jointly developed by India and Russia, has a strike range of around 300 kilometres in its export configuration and can be launched from land, sea and air platforms.
Indonesia has also agreed in principle to procure India's indigenous Astra beyond-visual-range air-to-air missile. While the number of missiles to be purchased has not yet been finalised, officials are expected to determine the quantity during subsequent negotiations. The Astra missile has already been integrated with the Indian Air Force's Su-30MKI fighter aircraft and is expected to be adapted for Indonesia's Su-30 Mark 1 and Mark 2 fighter fleet. Defence officials are likely to hold further discussions on pricing, integration, delivery schedules and contractual terms before the agreements are converted into formal procurement contracts.
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Beyond defence procurement, India and Indonesia also agreed to jointly develop the Sabang-Aceh Port, situated near the entrance to the strategically vital Malacca Strait. Located approximately 160 kilometres from India's Great Nicobar Project, including the proposed transshipment hub at Campbell Bay, the port occupies a critical position along one of the world's busiest maritime trade routes. More than 23 million barrels of oil and an estimated USD 3-7 trillion worth of global trade pass through the Malacca Strait annually, making the region a key focus of maritime security cooperation between the two countries.
The proposed development of Sabang Port is expected to enhance regional connectivity, strengthen maritime logistics and improve surveillance in the Indo-Pacific. Officials believe closer cooperation at the port could help secure the strategic chokepoint against both state and non-state threats while supporting humanitarian assistance, disaster relief and commercial shipping. The project also complements India's broader vision of deepening maritime partnerships with Southeast Asian nations under its Act East Policy and Indo-Pacific strategy.
The defence agreements reflect the expanding strategic convergence between India and Indonesia at a time of growing geopolitical competition in the Indo-Pacific. Both countries have steadily increased cooperation in defence, maritime security, military exercises and defence manufacturing in recent years. While the government has not yet disclosed detailed contractual terms, the latest understandings indicate that negotiations are progressing towards substantial defence exports from India. Once finalised, the BrahMos and Astra deals would mark another milestone in India's efforts to emerge as a major global defence exporter while reinforcing Indonesia's military modernisation programme and strengthening bilateral security ties.
Also Read: PM Modi’s Indonesia Visit To Boost Defence Ties With BrahMos, Malacca, Astra Focus