India, Russia, and Indonesia have finalized the pricing for a $450 million BrahMos missile deal, aimed at bolstering Indonesian defense capabilities. This agreement comes ahead of Indonesia’s presidential visit for Republic Day celebrations. While several procedural elements remain unresolved, the potential deal signifies an important step for India’s defense export ambitions in the region.
India, Russia, and Indonesia have reached an agreement on the pricing of the BrahMos cruise missile deal, just prior to Indonesian President Prabowo Subianto’s visit to New Delhi for Republic Day celebrations. The negotiations, which have been ongoing for over seven years, involved Rosoboronexport, Russia’s state arms export agency, as Moscow’s approval is crucial for all BrahMos transactions. The agreed deal amounts to $450 million, according to sources familiar with the negotiations.
The Indian government is expected to announce President Prabowo’s scheduled participation in the January 26 Republic Day celebrations shortly. It remains possible that a formal announcement regarding the BrahMos missile deal could also occur during this visit. Despite reaching this pricing agreement, several procedural steps must still be completed by both the Indian and Russian sides, including finalizing financing, suggesting that the contract finalization may take several months.
Once the deal is concluded, Indonesia will become the second international buyer of the BrahMos missiles. The BrahMos missile, named after India’s Brahmaputra River and Russia’s Moskva River, is produced by the Indo-Russian joint venture BrahMos Aerospace. The Philippines has already purchased BrahMos missiles, marking India’s intention to strengthen its position as a significant defense hardware exporter.
Indonesia has emphasized the need for technology transfer related to the BrahMos missiles to ensure reliable access to spare parts. This demand arises from concerns experienced by other nations that procured Russian military equipment, which faced shortages due to the ongoing conflict in Ukraine. Additionally, the COVID-19 pandemic has complicated the timeline for this proposed deal.
In 2018, a team from BrahMos Aerospace inspected the PT PAL shipyard in Surabaya to evaluate the installation of these missiles on Indonesian naval vessels. Beyond the BrahMos deal, India has also offered to provide coastal defense radars and marine-grade steel to Indonesia, alongside servicing Russian-made Su-30 combat aircraft utilized by the Indonesian Air Force.
Under former President Joko Widodo, Indonesia enhanced its naval collaboration with India to boost maritime security across the Indian Ocean. President Prabowo, who has a background in military operations, is anticipated to continue this trajectory of strengthening military and maritime cooperation with India.
The BrahMos missile system is a product of a joint venture between India and Russia and represents a key aspect of Indo-Russian defense cooperation. It is known for its high speed, precision, and versatility, making it an attractive asset for various countries looking to enhance their military capabilities. The ongoing negotiations and the eventual deal with Indonesia signify India’s rising status as a defense exporter in the global market. As regional dynamics shift, such collaborations are vital for enhancing security relationships between nations, especially in maritime contexts.
In summary, the agreement reached between India, Russia, and Indonesia on the BrahMos missile deal is a significant step in military cooperation and defense trade. Following extensive negotiations, the deal is valued at $450 million, with expectations that formal announcements will coincide with President Prabowo’s visit. The focus on technology transfer and the history of naval collaboration indicates a deepening partnership aimed at ensuring regional security amidst global challenges.
Original Source: www.hindustantimes.com
