Domestic Defence Industry Optimistic About Maximising Cooperation with India
Jakarta (ANTARA) - The domestic defence industry of Republikorp has expressed optimism that the cooperation for the development of air-to-air missiles between itself and the Indian defence industry will proceed to its full potential.
This is considered certain as the cooperation is expected to benefit both nations, particularly Indonesia. Norman Joesoef, founder of the Republikorp Group Holding, explained in a statement received in Jakarta on Wednesday that the agreement is advantageous for Indonesia from various perspectives, including the strengthening of the Indonesian National Armed Forces’ (TNI) combat power.
“This agreement establishes the foundation for the joint development of air-to-air missile systems to support Indonesia’s current and future generations of fighter aircraft,” said Norman.
Beyond strengthening the TNI’s military equipment, the cooperation is also expected to impact the improvement of the domestic defence industry’s quality. Through this partnership, the domestic defence industry will have the opportunity to expand its industrial capacity, enabling the production of high-quality products for both national and international markets.
“For Indonesia, this cooperation is a strategic step to strengthen the sovereignty of our defence industry capabilities and enhance national defence industrial resilience,” Norman added.
Furthermore, he assessed that the cooperation would reduce the TNI’s dependence on foreign military supply sources. Consequently, Norman ensured that the domestic defence industry would be able to meet the TNI’s missile requirements to achieve long-term Indonesian military operational independence.
Previously, the contract for the procurement of BrahMos supersonic cruise missiles between BrahMos Aerospace and the Indonesian Ministry of Defence was announced in the presence of President Prabowo Subianto and Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi during PM Modi’s state visit to Merdeka Palace, Jakarta, on Tuesday.
During the same event, the cooperation agreement regarding 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.
Defence cooperation involving the procurement of BrahMos and air-to-air missiles is part of a total of 16 cooperation documents announced during PM Modi’s state visit to Jakarta.
During a joint statement with President Prabowo in the Credentials Room of Merdeka Palace, Jakarta, on Tuesday, PM Modi emphasised India’s commitment to increasing cooperation with Indonesia across various sectors, including defence, disaster management, and security, particularly in the Indian Ocean region.
“Today, we have agreed to enhance cooperation in defence exchange, disaster management, and industrial cooperation, and the coast guards of our two nations will work together to ensure maritime security in the Indian Ocean,” said PM Modi.
In the same press conference, President Prabowo reaffirmed Indonesia’s commitment to enhancing security cooperation between the two nations, notably through the India-Indonesia Security Dialogue.
“As transnational security challenges increase, we are committed to deepening capacity development in new technologies, combating transnational crime, and developing digital infrastructure,” said President Prabowo during his joint statement with PM Modi.
Regarding the procurement of BrahMos, the specific details of the cooperation between the two nations remain undisclosed. However, Indonesia has been aiming to acquire the BrahMos system for several years.