India, Russia, and Indonesia have finalized pricing for a $450 million BrahMos missile deal, a significant development ahead of President Prabowo Subianto’s visit to New Delhi. The negotiations spanned over seven years, and the deal is expected to enhance defense relations and India’s position as a defense exporter. However, further formalities and financing arrangements will take additional months to finalize.
India, Russia, and Indonesia have reached an agreement on the pricing for a deal concerning the supply of BrahMos cruise missiles to the Indonesian armed forces. This development comes ahead of President Prabowo Subianto’s visit to New Delhi for the Republic Day celebrations. Negotiations for this deal have been ongoing for more than seven years, with Rosoboronexport, Russia’s governmental organization for weapon exports, playing a crucial role.
The finalized deal is valued at approximately $450 million. However, formal procedures among the Indian and Russian parties have yet to be completed, and financing arrangements are still under discussion. Consequently, the comprehensive finalization of the contract may take several additional months.
Once the agreement is concluded, Indonesia will become the second country to acquire BrahMos missiles, after the Philippines, which recently signed a deal worth $375 million for three missile batteries. This agreement is part of India’s ambition to bolster its defense exports internationally.
Indonesia has requested technology transfer related to the BrahMos missile to avoid potential shortages of parts, especially in light of past issues faced by other nations due to the ongoing conflict in Ukraine. The Covid-19 pandemic has also affected the timeline of this proposed deal.
In 2018, a team from BrahMos Aerospace visited an Indonesian shipyard to assess the missile’s compatibility with Indonesian naval vessels. Additionally, India has offered other defense capabilities, including coastal radar systems and support for Indonesian Su-30 fighter jets. Under former President Joko Widodo, naval cooperation between Indonesia and India significantly increased, focusing on enhancing maritime security in the Indian Ocean region.
The BrahMos missile is a product of a joint venture between India and Russia, symbolizing a significant advancement in defense technology for both nations. The cruise missile’s export is an essential facet of India’s strategy to establish itself as a prominent global defense exporter. Additionally, Indonesia’s military procurement initiatives are influenced by recent geopolitical developments, including the impacts of Russia’s ongoing war in Ukraine and the supply chain challenges related to military components. The relationship between India and Indonesia has been strengthened through increased naval cooperation and military joint exercises, laying the foundation for further collaboration in defense matters.
In conclusion, the agreement on the BrahMos missile pricing marks a pivotal step in enhancing defense relations between India, Russia, and Indonesia. As Indonesia becomes the second international customer for the BrahMos system, it signifies India’s growing presence in the global defense market. The anticipated visit by President Prabowo Subianto may further solidify this agreement, demonstrating a commitment to advancing military cooperation in the region.
Original Source: www.hindustantimes.com
