Domestic Defence Industry Optimistic About Maximising Cooperation with India

Jakarta (ANTARA) - Domestic defence industry player Republikorp is optimistic that cooperation on the development of air-to-air missiles with an Indian defence firm will proceed optimally. This is assured because the cooperation will benefit both countries, especially Indonesia. Republikorp Group Holding founder Norman Joesoef explained that the agreement benefits Indonesia from various aspects, one of which is strengthening the combat power of the Indonesian National Armed Forces (TNI). “This agreement establishes a foundation for the joint development of air-to-air missile systems to support the current and future generations of Indonesia’s fighter aircraft fleet,” Norman said. Beyond strengthening TNI’s primary weaponry systems, the cooperation will also impact the quality improvement of the domestic defence industry. Through this cooperation, the domestic defence industry will have the opportunity to develop industrial capacity, enabling it to produce quality products for both national and international markets. “For Indonesia, this cooperation is a strategic step to strengthen the sovereignty of its defence industry capabilities and enhance national defence industry resilience,” Norman stated. He further assessed that the cooperation will reduce the TNI’s dependence on foreign sources for defence equipment supplies. Thus, Norman confirmed that the domestic defence industry will be able to meet the TNI’s missile needs to achieve long-term operational independence for the Indonesian military. Previously, a cooperation contract for the procurement of BrahMos supersonic cruise missiles between BrahMos Aerospace and the Indonesian Ministry of Defence was announced before Indonesian President Prabowo Subianto and Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi during PM Modi’s state visit at Merdeka Palace, Jakarta, on Tuesday. At the same event, a cooperation agreement related to the procurement of air-to-air missiles between Bharat Dynamics Limited (BDL) and Republikorp was also announced before the two heads of state and delegations from the Indian and Indonesian governments. The defence cooperation for the procurement of BrahMos and AAM missiles was part of a total of 16 cooperation documents announced during PM Modi’s state visit in Jakarta. In a joint statement with President Prabowo, PM Modi affirmed India’s commitment to enhancing cooperation with Indonesia in various fields, including defence, disaster management, and security, particularly in the Indian Ocean region. “Today we agreed to enhance cooperation in defence exchanges, disaster management, and industrial cooperation, and the coast guards of the two countries will work together to ensure maritime security in the Indian Ocean,” PM Modi said. In the same press conference, President Prabowo also reaffirmed Indonesia’s commitment to enhancing bilateral security cooperation, including through the India-Indonesia Security Dialogue. “As cross-border security challenges increase, we are committed to deepening capacity development in new technologies, combating transnational crime, and developing digital infrastructure,” President Prabowo stated. Regarding the BrahMos procurement, the details of the cooperation between the two countries remain undisclosed. However, Indonesia has been aiming to acquire the BrahMos system for several years.