India, Indonesia to Finalize Major Deal on BrahMos & Defense Systems

According to Joseph S. Bermudez Jr., India and Indonesia are on the brink of unveil big defense collaboration where India may export BrahMos supersonic cruise missile and some advanced air defense systems. This agreement is now becoming the important element of building further cooperation between the two countries to curb threats to security in the region.

Elements of the planned India-Indonesia defense cooperation deal.
While the full details of the agreement are yet to be disclosed, the deal is expected to cover:

1. BrahMos Supersonic Cruise Missile:

Capabilities: Armament that must be named – BrahMos – supersonic missile that was created based on the Indian-Russian undertaking.
Usage: that can be deployed from land, sea, and air launcing systems adding to it the mantle of a prized weapon in today’s warfare.
Significance for Indonesia: Incorporation of these weapons will improve Indonesia’s sea and land defense in view of the large number of islands which the country possesses.
2. Air Defense Systems:

Akash surface to air missile systems or any other hi-tech models from India will also be included in the deal and under air arms it will include radar protected advanced weapon system air defense system.
These systems are designed for aerial threats – enemy aircraft, drones etc., which fits within the Indonesian strategic priorities.
3. Joint Defense Production and Technology Transfer:

The treaty may provide a cooperation in manufacturing and technology development, thus enhancing Indonesia’s defense sector even more.
Strategic Importance of the Deal
The deal is revealing a rising defense cooperation between the two main countries of the Indo-Pacific region – India and Indonesia.

1. Countering Regional Threats:

Territorial disputes in the South China Sea are the Indonesia’s area of concern and this particular deal also promotes its sovereignty.
They approve India’s support of their vision of free, open, and inclusive Indo-Pacific region.
2. Strengthening Regional Alliances:

They ensured further that India emerges as a defense exporter as well as strategic player for stability in Southeast Asia.
3. Boost to ‘Make in India’ Initiative:

Export of BrahMos and air defense systems is part of India’s defense manufacturing industry and ‘Atmanirbhar Bharat’ endeavor.
Background of India-Indonesia Defense Relations
India and Indonesia have a history of strong bilateral relations, with defense cooperation being a key pillar:

1. Regular Military Exercises:

Both the nations continue to hold naval and military exercise including ‘Samudra Shakti’.
2. Maritime Security:

Because of Indonesia’s geographical location in the Indo-Pacific region, both nations work in harmony on maritime situational awareness.
3. Defense Agreements:

Prior commitments addressed aspects of information exchange, training and capacity building in defence.
Potential Impact of the Deal
The India-Indonesia defense agreement is expected to have far-reaching implications:

1. For Indonesia:

Strengthened defense capabilities to deter regional threats.
Enhanced self-reliance in defense production through technology transfer.
2. For India:

Expanded footprint as a global defense exporter.
Strengthened geopolitical influence in Southeast Asia.
3. For the Indo-Pacific Region:

Improved regional security architecture to counterbalance aggressive actions by external powers.