Defence Ministry Confirms BrahMos Missile Procurement to Strengthen Coastal Defence
JAKARTA — The Indonesian Government through the Defence Ministry has not denied reports of purchasing BrahMos missiles. The Head of the Defence Information Bureau at the Defence Ministry Secretariat, Brigadier General Rico Ricardo Sirait, explained that Indonesia is indeed cooperating with India for the purchase of missiles developed by the Weapon and Electronic System Engineering Establishment (WESEE).
“Indonesia is indeed cooperating with India in procuring the BrahMos missile system as part of efforts to modernise main defence equipment systems, particularly to strengthen coastal defence capabilities,” Rico told Republika in Jakarta on Monday, 9 March 2026.
According to him, the purchase of BrahMos missiles is part of strengthening defence cooperation with India. In addition, Rico noted, the presence of BrahMos for the Indonesian Navy could strengthen deterrence in safeguarding Indonesian sovereignty.
“This cooperation is also part of strengthening the Indonesia-India strategic partnership in the defence sector as well as enhancing deterrence capabilities in protecting territorial sovereignty,” Rico said.
Previously, Philippine Armed Forces Commander General Romeo Saturnino Brawner Jr disclosed that Indonesia has also purchased the supersonic BrahMos missile from India. This came after he stated the Philippines’ willingness to conduct more military business with India.
The Philippines was the first Southeast Asian nation to acquire the BrahMos missile in 2022 with a contract value of $375 million or approximately Rp 6.35 trillion.
In that interview, Brawner stated to Asian News International (ANI) in New Delhi over the weekend: “The Philippines is the first (in Southeast Asia) to buy the BrahMos missile system. Now Indonesia has purchased the same system.”
“I can say that we are satisfied with our purchase, and hopefully we can do more business with India,” Brawner added. Although Brawner conveyed that Indonesia has signed the BrahMos missile agreement, the Indian government has not officially announced it.
However, sources within the government stated that the contract is close to finalisation. According to The Times of India, the contract value for Indonesia’s BrahMos purchase from India is $450 million or approximately Rp 7.6 trillion.